Missouri Scrapie Eradication Program: What Sheep and Goat Producers Need to Know
July 6, 2026
If you raise sheep or goats in Missouri, scrapie compliance is not optional — it is a legal obligation under both state and federal law. Whether you keep a small hobby flock or manage a large commercial operation, the rules governing animal identification, recordkeeping, and interstate movement apply to you.
Scrapie is a fatal neurological disease that has cost the U.S. sheep and goat industry tens of millions of dollars in production losses and export restrictions. Missouri producers play a direct role in the national effort to eliminate it. This guide walks you through every layer of the Scrapie Eradication Program in Missouri — from what the disease actually is to how you can pursue certified flock status.
What Is Scrapie and Why It Is Regulated in Missouri
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). The TSE family also includes bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or “mad cow disease”) in cattle and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk, making scrapie a disease of significant public and agricultural concern.
Scrapie is caused by a transmissible prion — an abnormal protein that is very stable in the environment. This stability makes the disease especially difficult to contain once it enters a flock. There is no cure or treatment for scrapie.
Scrapie is difficult to detect. It can take 2 to 5 years for an animal to show signs of disease, and current diagnostic tests require brain or lymphoid tissue. Animals typically live 1 to 6 months after they begin to show signs. Most are infected as young lambs or kids, but adult animals can get it, too. Apparently healthy animals infected with the disease agent can spread it.
Common clinical signs include rubbing as if itchy, staggering or an abnormal gait, lip-smacking, flightiness, loss of coordination, emaciation, and eventual death. While animals of any age may be exposed to scrapie, lambs and kids are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease and are often infected by their dams shortly after birth. Typically, infected animals do not show signs of scrapie — such as behavioral changes, tremors, and incoordination that progresses to recumbency and death — until they are two years of age or older.
Infected flocks typically experience significant production losses. The U.S. sheep and goat industry continues to experience export losses and increased production and disposal costs because the United States is not free of scrapie. The presence of scrapie in the United States also prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries. Missouri is home to a growing small ruminant industry, and disease freedom is essential to maintaining the marketability of Missouri-raised animals both domestically and internationally. If you want to explore more about Missouri’s diverse animal life, check out this guide to venomous animals in Missouri.
Missouri’s Role in the National Scrapie Eradication Program
The National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a cooperative State-Federal-industry program, is working to eradicate classical scrapie from the United States and meet World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) criteria for disease freedom. Missouri participates in this program as both an enforcer of state-level regulations and a partner in federal surveillance efforts.
The National Scrapie Eradication Program, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has reduced the prevalence of scrapie in adult sheep sampled at slaughter by over 99 percent. Despite this remarkable progress, the program is not finished. The United States is nearing the goal line after a 70-year battle against scrapie, a fatal disease that affects the brain of sheep and goats. While the current program has been very successful in drastically reducing the amount of scrapie in the U.S., positive animals are still being found.
The National Scrapie Eradication Program has two major components: a regulatory eradication program called the Accelerated Scrapie Eradication Program (ASEP), and a voluntary certification program called the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP). Missouri producers are subject to the mandatory requirements under ASEP and may voluntarily enroll in the SFCP for added market benefits.
The NSEP operates in three stages. Stage 1 focuses on eradicating scrapie in the U.S. sheep and goat population by finding remaining cases. Stage 2 continues high-level surveillance to ensure that no cases remain. Stage 3 maintains sufficient ongoing monitoring to meet World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) requirements.
APHIS published a final rule in the Federal Register in 2019, updating scrapie program regulations (9 CFR 79). The rule established a more flexible approach to disease investigations and affected flock management and more consistent animal identification and recordkeeping requirements for sheep and goats. Missouri’s state regulations align with these federal standards under 2 CSR 30, administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division.
Animals that appear healthy can be infected with the disease agent and can spread it. Federal and State regulations require producers to officially identify their sheep and goats under the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP). Missouri’s Animal Health Division enforces these identification and recordkeeping requirements at the state level, including at livestock markets and sale barns.
Official Animal Identification Requirements in Missouri
Official animal identification is the backbone of scrapie traceability. Without it, authorities cannot trace a positive animal back to its flock of origin — which means infected premises go undetected and the disease continues to spread. Federal and state regulations require producers to officially identify their sheep and goats under the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP).
Missouri’s market regulations make the identification requirement explicit. Sheep and goats — including exotic sheep, goats, and antelopes — regardless of age or gender must be individually identified by an official scrapie eartag as defined in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79, or by an electronic implant for goats only, identifying them to the flock or herd of origin, or by any other means of permanent identification approved by the state veterinarian. Additionally, sheep and goats that come into a market without official identification must have official identification applied at the market prior to commingling with other animals, and prior to sale.
Approved Identification Methods
Producers have several options when it comes to official identification. The most common methods are:
- Official eartags — plastic or metal tags bearing the flock ID number assigned by APHIS or the state, followed by an individual animal number
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) eartags — electronic tags that can be scanned for faster processing
- Implantable electronic devices (microchips) — available for goats with certain restrictions
- Registry tattoos — registered animals may use a breed association tattoo in some circumstances
The Code of Federal Regulations part 79.2 and the National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards allow sheep and goats to be officially identified with registry tattoos for movement in interstate commerce with some exceptions. Registered animals may be identified with a registration tattoo instead of a tag, as long as the animal is accompanied by a copy of the registration certificate issued by an APHIS-approved registry listing the current owner, or the registration certificate and a completed transfer of ownership form dated within 60 days that lists the current owner.
How to Obtain Official Tags in Missouri
The National Scrapie Eradication Program is providing up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge to first-time participants in the sheep and goat identification program until available funds are expended. Producers will need to purchase the compatible applicator from the tag manufacturer.
Producers and others who handle sheep in commerce who need additional tags or want a different type or color of tag may purchase official plastic, metal, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags directly from approved tag manufacturers. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from these sources. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.
To get your flock ID number and order tags, call 1-866-USDA-TAG (866-873-2824). This toll-free line will route you to the appropriate APHIS Veterinary Services or Missouri state office. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division directly at (573) 751-3377 for state-specific guidance on premises identification.
Flock Registration and Recordkeeping Requirements in Missouri
Proper recordkeeping is just as important as tagging. The success of the Scrapie Eradication Program is tied to producers keeping good records of animal sales and purchases. Without accurate records, tracing a disease outbreak back to its source becomes nearly impossible.
Before you can obtain official scrapie tags, you need a flock ID number. These tags are available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture for producers who register their flock and receive a flock ID number. Registering your flock assigns a unique identifier to your premises that links every tagged animal back to your operation.
What Records You Must Keep
You must keep herd records, showing what animals were added and what animals left the herd/flock. Federal regulations under 9 CFR 79 set minimum standards for what those records must contain. At a minimum, your records should include:
- The official ID number of every animal in your flock
- The breed, sex, and approximate age of each animal
- The date each animal was acquired, along with the name and address of the seller
- The date each animal left the flock, along with the name and address of the buyer or destination
- Any births, deaths, or disposals that occurred on the premises
For producers enrolled in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP), the recordkeeping bar is higher. Records must be retained for a minimum of seven years after an animal dies or is removed from the flock. Even outside the SFCP, federal regulations generally require that records on every animal requiring official ID be maintained for five years from the time the animal leaves the flock or dies.
Flock ID vs. Premises ID
You may encounter two related but distinct identifiers: a flock ID and a premises ID (PIN). The scrapie eradication program pre-dates the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Program. As a result, there have been changes in the premises ID numbers that may be assigned by the states and APHIS for sheep and goat premises to now include PINs and LIDs. Both may be required depending on the type of tags you purchase and how you move animals. Contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or APHIS to clarify which identifiers apply to your operation.
Interstate and Intrastate Movement Rules for Sheep and Goats in Missouri
Whether you are buying, selling, or transporting sheep and goats across state lines — or even within Missouri — specific movement rules apply. These rules exist to prevent the spread of scrapie from infected flocks to clean ones.
Interstate Movement Requirements
When animals move interstate, unless otherwise exempt, they must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI), or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states. The ICVI must be issued by an accredited or state/federal veterinarian and must include specific scrapie-related information.
The ICVI must include a statement by the issuing accredited or State or Federal veterinarian that the animals were not exhibiting clinical signs associated with scrapie at the time of examination. State CVIs that have certification statements indicating that “the animals have no history of clinical signs or exposure to contagious or infectious diseases,” or words to that effect, will suffice in lieu of the specific scrapie statement.
APHIS updated its scrapie regulations and program standards on March 25, 2019, which included updating identification requirements for goats and certain recordkeeping requirements for sheep and goats. These rules apply to sheep or goats that are moving or have moved in interstate commerce, that have resided on premises where interstate commerce is conducted, or that are owned by people who engage in interstate commerce. This includes animals moved through markets or other sites where interstate commerce occurs, even if the particular animal has not left the state.
Restrictions on High-Risk and Positive Animals
Missouri imposes strict limits on animals with known scrapie exposure. Scrapie positive, suspects, or high-risk animals may enter Missouri for immediate slaughter only and with specific approval from the state veterinarian. This restriction applies regardless of where the animals originated.
Scrapie-positive, suspect, and high-risk animals, some exposed animals, and animals that originated in an infected or source flock require permits rather than CVIs. Contact the VS District Office for further information on these permits. A permit (VS Form 1-27 or equivalent state form) lists the owner’s name, points of origin and destination, number of animals, purpose of movement, and the animal’s disease status.
Additional Movement Requirements for Sheep Entering Missouri
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Scabies-quarantined area | Sheep from a scabies-quarantined area must be dipped or treated by an officially approved method within 10 days prior to entering Missouri |
| Intact male sheep (6 months or older) | Require a negative Brucella ovis test within 30 days of shipment, or must move from a certified Brucella ovis free flock |
| Entry permit | No permit is required for sheep entering Missouri (scrapie CVI requirements still apply) |
| Official ID | All sheep and goats must be officially identified regardless of age or sex |
Intrastate Movement and Livestock Markets
The scrapie regulations were revised to require the official identification of sheep and goats not in slaughter channels (except low-risk commercial goats) and any sheep over 18 months of age in interstate commerce, with some exceptions. In addition, the revision required states to implement and enforce official identification of most sheep and goats on change of ownership intrastate, in order to move sheep and goats interstate with minimal restrictions.
At Missouri livestock markets, veterinary inspection is required on all sheep and goats prior to sale. If animals arrive without official ID, the market must apply identification before the animals commingle with others or are sold. You can also look into the types of snakes in Missouri or other wildlife that may interact with your livestock environment.
Reporting, Testing, and Quarantine Requirements in Missouri
Detecting scrapie depends on producers and veterinarians actively reporting and submitting samples. Because the disease can incubate silently for years, passive observation alone is not enough to find remaining cases.
What You Are Required to Report
Producers are asked to cooperate with the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Eradication Program to help wipe out the disease by: reporting all sheep and goats over 18 months of age that show symptoms of scrapie; submitting heads of sheep and goats over 18 months that die from scrapie-like symptoms for testing; and obtaining a flock ID number and properly identifying animals that are sold or transported.
If you observe any sheep or goat showing neurological signs — including incoordination, weakness, difficulty rising, or unusual behavior — you should report the animal to your accredited veterinarian, the Missouri State Veterinarian, or USDA Veterinary Services immediately. Do not wait for the animal to die before seeking guidance.
How Testing Works
APHIS provides shipping boxes and pre-printed, postage-paid labels at no cost to producers and accredited veterinarians. APHIS will pay for scrapie testing of up to 30 animals per flock per year. This means that submitting samples for testing costs you nothing out of pocket in most cases.
Producers may remove and submit whole heads or report deceased sheep or goats and ask for help with submitting samples. Accredited veterinarians can either remove and submit whole heads or collect and submit specified tissues. Whole head samples are shipped overnight to APHIS’s designated sample collection facility. Your accredited veterinarian or the APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) for Missouri can guide you through the submission process.
What Happens If Scrapie Is Found
If scrapie is found in a flock or herd, all the animals will be genetically tested to identify animals that are most susceptible to the disease. Susceptible or infected animals may have to be destroyed. In many cases, individuals that are genetically resistant can be introduced to a flock to increase overall resistance.
When a flock is designated as infected or a source flock, Missouri officials work with the flock owner to develop and implement a flock plan. This plan typically includes depopulating animals at high risk for developing scrapie, cleaning and disinfecting the facility, and placing the premises under quarantine. A flock will no longer be considered an infected flock after it has completed the requirements of a flock plan. Following completion of the flock plan, the producer may apply for readmission to the SFCP if they were previously enrolled.
Genotype Testing and Genetic Resistance
One tool Missouri producers can use proactively is genotype testing. Certain genetic variants at codon 171 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in sheep confer resistance to classical scrapie. Animals with the QQ genotype are most susceptible, while those with the RR genotype show the highest resistance. Raising replacement ewes, purchasing genetically resistant (RR) rams, or buying from a certified-free scrapie flock are options to reduce the risk of scrapie. APHIS-approved laboratories can perform genotype testing, and results can help you make informed breeding and purchasing decisions. Learn more about APHIS scrapie resources for producers.
Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) in Missouri
Beyond mandatory compliance, Missouri producers have the opportunity to pursue a higher standard of recognition through the voluntary Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program. Enrollment signals to buyers that your animals come from a flock with a demonstrated, monitored history of scrapie freedom.
Program Overview and Benefits
The SFCP is a voluntary program that is open to all sheep and goat producers in the United States. The overall objective of the SFCP is to minimize the scrapie risk of participating flocks and herds, thereby improving the marketability of animals from participating flocks and herds and contributing to the national scrapie eradication program.
The Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) was added in 1992 and is a voluntary certification program within the NSEP. The SFCP identifies scrapie-free flocks by monitoring them over a 5–7 year period. The program provides sheep and goat producers the opportunity to increase the marketability of their animals through demonstrating a negligible scrapie risk in their flock or herd.
SFCP Categories and Statuses
The SFCP has two categories: Export and Select. The Export category has two statuses — Export Monitored and Export Certified — and the Select category has one status: Select Monitored.
| Category | Status | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Export | Export Monitored | Initial monitoring phase; demonstrates commitment to program standards |
| Export | Export Certified | Flock certified as scrapie-free; enables export of breeding stock and germplasm |
| Select | Select Monitored | Demonstrates negligible scrapie risk for domestic marketing purposes |
The objective of the Export category is to certify participating flocks and herds as scrapie-free establishments through limiting the acquisition of does and ewes from flocks of the same or higher status, annual inspections including reconciliation of the animal inventory, official individual animal identification requirements, recordkeeping requirements, and animal sampling requirements.
How to Apply in Missouri
All flock owners may apply to enter the voluntary scrapie flock certification program by contacting the APHIS veterinary service office in the area they live. The application package includes: a list of animals in the flock, including breed, gender, and official program identification (tattoo, microchip, or APHIS-approved tamper-resistant ear tag); a statement by the flock’s accredited veterinarian declaring the flock free of scrapie; and an inspection report authorized by a state or federal regulatory official verifying official identification and other application information.
Ongoing Requirements Once Enrolled
Enrollment is not a one-time event. Participants must undergo an annual inspection, at which time animals are reconciled with the flock records, checked for official identification, and examined for evidence of scrapie. Records must be retained for a minimum of seven years after an animal dies or is removed from the flock. Participants must also report all sheep or goat acquisitions from flocks with lower status or from nonparticipating flocks, and have all animals undergo veterinary inspection prior to culling or be slaughtered at a state or federally inspected facility.
The SFCP standards provide guidelines for reducing the risk of scrapie exposure while animals are at shows or in transport. Guidelines include separating enrolled animals from non-enrolled animals by a vacant pen, barn alley, or a solid barrier sufficient to prevent physical contact. Limited contact in show rings minimizes the risk of disease transmission. At exhibits or sales, animals enrolled in the Export category may not commingle with non-enrolled pregnant animals or animals that are within 60 days post-lambing or kidding.
SFCP tags may only be purchased by owners of flocks participating in the Scrapie-Free Flock Certification Program. These distinctive tags signal to buyers and inspectors that your animals carry the added assurance of SFCP enrollment. For more information on enrolling in the SFCP or to ask questions about Missouri-specific requirements, contact Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division or email APHIS at scrapie@usda.gov.
Missouri’s sheep and goat producers are a vital link in the national chain of scrapie eradication. By maintaining accurate records, tagging every animal, reporting suspects promptly, and considering SFCP enrollment, you contribute directly to a disease-free future for the entire U.S. small ruminant industry. For questions about tags and flock registration, call 1-866-USDA-TAG (866-873-2824) to reach the appropriate Missouri or APHIS office. You can also explore other aspects of Missouri’s rich animal diversity, from types of spiders in Missouri to types of eagles in Missouri, as part of understanding the broader ecosystem your livestock operation exists within. For the full text of federal scrapie regulations, refer to 9 CFR Part 79 on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, and consult the USDA APHIS National Scrapie Eradication Program page for the most current program standards and updates.