Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. The name "scrapie" was derived from the characteristic scraping infected animals do to relieve itching. However, clinical signs vary widely and develop slowly. Ultimately, over a period of several years, as infection spreads and develops within a flock, the disease can render an operation economically unviable.
For more information about the disease, click on:
Scrapie - An Overview and Clinical Signs (USDA) |
National Scrapie Eradication Program (USDA) |
Scrapie Identification Information for Producers (BOAH) |
Scrapie Fact Sheet (USDA) |
In 2001, at the urging of the sheep and goat industries, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a mandatory federal identification program to establish a tracking system for the movements of these animals. This system will provide a means to trace the spread of scrapie from site to site.
The specifics of how the federal program is administered varies from state to state (such as which forms of identification are acceptable).
Learn more about how the federal program is being implemented in Indiana:
Other interesting links about Scrapie
For more information on scrapie and the federal identification program in Indiana, contact the Indiana State Board of Animal Health at: animalhealth@boah.in.gov or (317) 544-2400
Obtaining Tags
Click here for information about ordering scrapie tags.
Printer-friendly application for premises ID and flock ID numbers.