Connecticut Scrapie Eradication Program: Rules Every Sheep and Goat Owner Must Know

Scrapie is one of the most persistent threats facing sheep and goat producers in the United States, and Connecticut producers are not exempt from its reach. As a fatal, untreatable disease with an incubation period that can stretch years, it spreads silently through flocks before a single visible symptom appears.

If you raise sheep or goats in Connecticut — whether a small hobby flock or a larger commercial operation — you are subject to a set of federal and state regulations designed to track, contain, and ultimately eliminate this disease. Understanding exactly what those rules require of you is not optional. Failing to comply can result in quarantine, movement restrictions, and significant financial loss.

This guide walks you through every major component of the Scrapie Eradication Program in Connecticut: what the disease is, how the state participates in the national effort, and what your specific obligations are around identification, recordkeeping, movement, testing, and voluntary certification.

What Is Scrapie and Why It Is Regulated in Connecticut

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is among a number of diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). You may recognize TSEs from their connection to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. While there is currently no epidemiological evidence that scrapie is a zoonotic disease, the broader TSE family has prompted serious regulatory attention at both the federal and state levels.

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. This long silent period is precisely what makes the disease so dangerous — and why traceability through official identification is the cornerstone of the eradication effort.

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. For Connecticut producers, this translates directly into reduced marketability for your animals and breeding stock on both domestic and international markets.

Common clinical signs you should watch for include incoordination, poor muscle control (ataxia), weakness, stumbling, difficulty rising, and severe continuous rubbing. Most animals 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.

Connecticut’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. Connecticut participates in this program through its Department of Agriculture (DOAG), which administers and enforces state-level regulations that align with — and in some cases exceed — federal requirements.

As of November 19, 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a new regulation regarding interstate movement, identification, and indemnity requirements for sheep and goats as part of the New Scrapie Eradication Program. Detailed information regarding this regulation and about scrapie the disease and all aspects of the National Scrapie Program can be found on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services website.

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). Connecticut producers are subject to the mandatory ASEP requirements and are eligible to participate in the voluntary SFCP.

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 progress, the program is still finding scrapie-positive animals. The most recent two cases of scrapie found in the U.S. were sampled at slaughter — a sheep tested in Wisconsin in 2021 and a goat in Indiana in 2019. This underscores why Connecticut’s continued participation remains critical.

Connecticut’s scrapie regulations are accessible through the state’s eRegulations portal at Title 22, Subtitle 22-278-A of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The DOAG’s program page at portal.ct.gov serves as the primary state-level resource for producers seeking guidance.

Official Animal Identification Requirements in Connecticut

Official identification (ID) is the foundation of the entire scrapie eradication effort. Without it, tracing an infected animal back to its flock of origin — and identifying all exposed animals — becomes nearly impossible. Connecticut regulations require the official identification of all sheep and goats. This is a stricter standard than the federal baseline, which contains certain exemptions.

Some states have identification requirements that are stricter than federal requirements, so the exceptions listed below do not apply in all states. For information on each state’s ID and movement requirements, contact the State Veterinarian’s office. In Connecticut, you should contact the DOAG State Veterinarian directly to confirm current requirements before moving any animals.

Accepted Forms of Official Identification

Several types of official ID are approved under the NSEP, and Connecticut producers may use any of the following:

• Official eartags — plastic or metal tags bearing the USDA-assigned flock ID number and an individual animal number
• 840 RFID eartags — radio-frequency identification tags that can be electronically scanned for faster data entry
• RFID implants — 840 RFID microchip implants can be used as the sole form of official ID for sheep or goats that are not moving to slaughter or through a livestock market, if the implant is located in the lower ear or web of the tail. When properly applied in either of these locations, the implants do not move.
• Registry tattoos — tattoos may be used as the sole form of official ID for sheep or goats as long as they are accompanied by registration papers from a USDA-approved breed registry, provided the animals are not moving to slaughter or through a livestock market
• Flock ID tattoos — 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

Obtaining Official Tags

Veterinarians and sheep and goat owners can obtain official scrapie identification tags from the USDA by calling 1-866-USDA-TAG. There is no cost to the producer if tags are ordered through USDA. 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 or goats 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.

Tag Replacement Rules

Do not remove any tag with the Official US Stamp. If a tag is lost, if you know who the animal is, apply a new tag and record that number with the original record. If you do not know who the goat or sheep is, create a new record, note that the tag replaces a lost one, and record the date and number of the tag you apply. If the ear is infected and removal is medically necessary, call 1-866-USDA-TAG to notify USDA before replacing the tag.

Flock Registration and Recordkeeping Requirements in Connecticut

Before you can obtain official identification tags, you must have a registered flock ID number and a premises identification number (PIN). These numbers are assigned by APHIS or your state office and are tied to your operation, not just a physical location.

Flock ID tag numbers are the producer’s flock ID assigned by APHIS or the State, followed by an individual animal number. To register your flock and obtain both a flock ID and premises ID, call 1-866-USDA-TAG (866-873-2824). This line routes you to the appropriate Connecticut APHIS Veterinary Services office.

What Records You Must Keep

Producers are required to follow federal and state regulations for officially identifying their sheep and goats. Producers must also keep herd records showing what new animals were added and what animals left the herd or flock. These records serve as the paper trail that makes disease tracing possible.

At a minimum, your records must include:

• The official ID number on each animal’s tag, tattoo, or approved RFID device
• The date each animal was identified
• The seller’s premises identification number for any animal you purchase
• Dates and destinations for all animals leaving your flock
• Dates and origins for all animals entering your flock

Records must be kept for 5 years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Ideally, producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Since the incubation period for scrapie is typically two to five years, producers should record individual identification numbers and the seller’s premises identification number on purchase and sales records.

Connecticut producers are also encouraged to maintain electronic records to streamline any future compliance inspections or disease trace-back requests from DOAG or APHIS. Anyone who applies official identification must maintain records. For detailed information, refer to the Scrapie Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, Part III.B.2.

Interstate and Intrastate Movement Rules for Sheep and Goats in Connecticut

Moving sheep and goats — whether within Connecticut or across state lines — triggers specific regulatory requirements. Understanding the distinction between intrastate and interstate movement, and the documentation each requires, is essential for staying compliant.

Intrastate Movement (Within Connecticut)

The 2001 regulatory 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. In Connecticut, this means that any time ownership of a sheep or goat changes hands — even within state borders — official identification is generally required. Connecticut’s own regulations require all sheep and goats to be officially identified, making this a universal standard within the state.

Interstate Movement (Leaving or Entering Connecticut)

When moving sheep or goats across state lines, you must comply with both federal regulations under 9 CFR Part 79 and the destination state’s requirements. For animals entering Connecticut from another state, no animals from a herd or flock under quarantine order shall enter the state.

For most interstate movements, you will need:

1. Official identification — all animals must bear approved official ID before leaving their premises of origin
2. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — issued by an accredited veterinarian, the CVI must include the animal’s ID number or flock number, the number of animals covered by the certificate, the purpose for travel, the origin and intended destination, the consignor/consignee if applicable, and the veterinarian’s written statement that the animals have no history of clinical signs or exposure to scrapie or other infectious diseases
3. Timing compliance — CVIs are typically valid for 30 days from issuance; confirm the destination state’s specific window before scheduling transport

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.

Exhibition and Fair Requirements

Connecticut has specific requirements for sheep and goats attending fairs and shows within the state. All animals must have permanent official USDA identification and must not be from scrapie-exposed flocks. All goats must have an approved official USDA identification and a CVI issued within 60 days of their first show by an accredited veterinarian stating that the animals are in good health and not showing signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases and are not from scrapie-exposed herds.

Connecticut producers who raise other livestock alongside their sheep and goats may also find useful context in the state’s regulations for backyard poultry, which similarly require compliance with state animal health standards before attending exhibitions.

Reporting, Testing, and Quarantine Requirements in Connecticut

Detection depends entirely on producers and veterinarians reporting suspicious animals. Connecticut, as a participating state in the NSEP, requires that scrapie be treated as a reportable disease — meaning you have a legal obligation to notify authorities when you observe clinical signs consistent with the condition.

When and How to Report

If you have an adult sheep or goat older than 12 months that exhibits clinical signs of scrapie such as incoordination, severe continuous rubbing, or other neurologic signs, contact your local State or USDA Veterinary Services Office. Do not wait for a confirmed diagnosis before reporting — the reporting obligation is triggered by suspicion, not confirmation.

You should also report any adult sheep or goat that dies on your farm or is euthanized, regardless of the apparent cause of death. Submission of samples from sheep and goats over 18 months of age found dead or euthanized on your farm is extremely important to the national surveillance effort.

Testing Procedures

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. Producers may remove and submit whole heads or report deceased sheep or goats and ask for help with submitting samples. Accredited veterinarians can collect and submit specified tissues directly.

Genotyping — the process of determining a sheep’s genetic susceptibility to classical scrapie — is also available and plays an important role in flock management decisions. In the context of scrapie, genotyping is a test used to identify which codons are in a sheep’s prion gene. The test is used to determine the animal’s susceptibility to classical scrapie, confirm the animal’s identity, or both.

Quarantine Procedures

If a flock in Connecticut is designated as infected, source, or exposed, a quarantine order will be issued. No herd or flock under quarantine order shall move or be exhibited. Movement off the premises is prohibited without a permit issued by state or federal authorities.

Under a quarantine, all animals in the affected flock must be inventoried and individually identified. APHIS provides the following assistance to owners of exposed and infected flocks or herds that participate in cleanup plans: indemnity for high-risk, suspect, and scrapie-positive sheep and exposed goats that owners agree to destroy; genetic testing of sheep for scrapie susceptibility; and other support services to help producers manage the cleanup process while remaining economically viable.

For information on Connecticut’s broader wildlife disease landscape — which can intersect with livestock health concerns — see the guide to wild animals in Connecticut.

Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) in Connecticut

Beyond mandatory compliance, Connecticut sheep and goat producers have the option to enroll in the Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) — a voluntary program that can significantly improve the marketability of your animals and demonstrate a documented commitment to disease-free production.

What the SFCP Is and Why It Matters

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 National Scrapie-Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) increases the marketability of sheep and goats from flocks that have demonstrated freedom of scrapie disease by adhering to program standards over a defined monitoring period. Buyers of breeding stock — especially those purchasing animals for export — actively seek out SFCP-certified flocks because the certification provides documented assurance of reduced scrapie risk.

Program 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).

Requirements for Participation

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.

To participate in the SFCP, you must:

• Have an active flock ID and premises ID registered with APHIS
• Apply official individual ID to all animals in the flock
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all animal additions and removals
• Allow annual inspections and inventory reconciliations by a state or federal veterinarian
• Acquire does and ewes only from flocks of equal or higher SFCP status
• Submit animal samples as required under the program standards

SFCP tags may only be purchased by owners of flocks participating in the Scrapie-Free Flock Certification Program. These tags are visually distinct and signal to buyers that your flock is enrolled in a certified monitoring program.

How to Enroll in Connecticut

To enroll your Connecticut flock in the SFCP, contact the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for Connecticut through the APHIS National Scrapie Eradication Program page or by calling 1-866-USDA-TAG. Your state veterinarian’s office at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture can also provide guidance on enrollment steps and direct you to the appropriate federal contact.

All requirements of the SFCP are outlined in the SFCP program standards, available in electronic form at the Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program page on the APHIS website. Reviewing these standards before enrolling will help you assess whether your current flock management practices already meet the baseline requirements or whether adjustments are needed.

Connecticut producers who are actively engaged in responsible animal stewardship may also find it useful to review the state’s other livestock and animal regulations, including dog breed restrictions in Connecticut and roadkill laws in Connecticut, which reflect the broader regulatory framework governing animal ownership and handling across the state.

Staying current with your identification, recordkeeping, movement documentation, and reporting obligations is the most effective way to protect your flock, your neighbors’ flocks, and the long-term viability of Connecticut’s sheep and goat industry. The closer the United States gets to official scrapie-free status, the more important each producer’s individual compliance becomes.