Scrapie Eradication Program in Massachusetts: What Every Sheep and Goat Owner Must Know
August 23, 2026
If you raise sheep or goats in Massachusetts, the Scrapie Eradication Program is not optional — it applies to you. Whether you keep a small hobby flock or manage a large commercial operation, state and federal rules govern how your animals are identified, moved, and monitored for this fatal disease.
This guide walks you through every layer of the program as it applies to Massachusetts producers: what scrapie is, how the Commonwealth participates in the national effort, what identification and recordkeeping you must maintain, how movement rules work both inside and outside state lines, and how voluntary certification can strengthen your flock’s marketability.
What Is Scrapie and Why It Is Regulated in Massachusetts
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. The disease is caused by a misfolded prion protein, and it is caused by a transmissible prion or abnormal protein that is very stable in the environment, and traditional blood tests are not reliable to diagnose it — a tissue sample is needed.
No treatment exists for scrapie, and there is no known evidence of scrapie transmission to humans. However, the disease carries serious consequences for your operation. Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience significant production losses. Over a period of several years the number of infected animals increases, and the age at onset of clinical signs decreases, making these flocks economically unviable. Animals sold from infected flocks spread scrapie to other flocks.
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 such as behavioral changes, tremors, and incoordination that progresses to recumbency and death until they are two years of age or older.
The presence of scrapie in the United States also prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries, which is why federal and state regulators treat eradication as an economic and public health priority. There are two types of scrapie: classical and nonclassical. Nonclassical scrapie is also referred to as atypical, Nor98, or Nor98-like scrapie. Nonclassical scrapie appears to occur sporadically and has occurred in sheep of all the common genotypes and goats. It is either not transmissible or poorly transmissible under natural conditions. Given this, the scrapie eradication program focuses on classical scrapie.
You can learn more about how Massachusetts regulates other animals and livestock through resources like the dog leash laws in Massachusetts and dog breed restrictions in Massachusetts, which illustrate the Commonwealth’s broader approach to animal regulation.
Massachusetts’s Role in the National Scrapie Eradication Program
Surveillance for scrapie in the United States is conducted through the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a cooperative State-Federal-industry program. Massachusetts participates as a full partner in this effort. Massachusetts is among the 50 states that the Administrator has evaluated and determined to be a Consistent State under federal scrapie regulations — meaning the Commonwealth maintains an active program that effectively enforces identification, quarantine, and reporting requirements.
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). Both components apply to Massachusetts producers.
The National Scrapie Eradication Program, coordinated by the USDA’s 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 success, the United States is nearing the goal line after a 70-year battle against scrapie, but 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 legal requirements for interstate movement of sheep and goats due to scrapie are contained in Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Scrapie Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules (UM&R) provides guidance to the states regarding the minimum standards necessary for a state to participate in the national eradication program. Massachusetts enforces these standards through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Division of Animal Health, which administers the program at the state level.
Official Animal Identification Requirements in Massachusetts
Official individual identification is the cornerstone of scrapie control. Without it, tracing infected animals back to their flock of origin — and stopping the spread — is impossible.
Under the USDA Scrapie Eradication Program, all categories of sheep and goats entering Massachusetts must have official individual identification. Acceptable ID includes Scrapie Program ear tags, official USDA or country-of-origin RFID ear tags, or registry tattoos accompanied by a current registration certificate. All sheep and goats born in Massachusetts must be officially identified upon leaving their premises of origin or reaching 18 months of age, whichever comes first.
In September 2001, 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. Massachusetts applies these standards to both intrastate and interstate movement.
- Scrapie Program ear tags: The most common form of official ID, bearing a unique flock or premises ID number linked to the National Scrapie Database.
- Official USDA or country-of-origin RFID ear tags: Acceptable for animals born outside the U.S. when accompanied by proper documentation.
- Registry tattoos: Valid only when accompanied by a current breed registration certificate from an approved registry.
- Implantable electronic ID (microchips): Accepted under the 2019 final rule, which established more consistent animal identification requirements and moved specific requirements for official eartags and official identification methods — such as tattoos and implantable electronic ID (microchips) — to the NSEP Standards.
Official Scrapie ID tags may be obtained from MDAR by contacting Carry Shulock-Sexton at 857-348-3922 or carry.shulock-sexton@mass.gov. Further information about the Scrapie Eradication Program can be obtained from USDA APHIS Veterinary Services at 866-873-2824.
When requested by the producer, accredited veterinarians can apply official eartags, collect and submit samples for official genotype testing, scrapie testing on obex, lymph node, third-eyelid lymphoid tissue, or rectal lymphoid tissue; and issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for interstate movement.
Flock Registration and Recordkeeping Requirements in Massachusetts
Identification tags alone are not enough. You must also maintain records that allow state and federal officials to trace animals through the production chain. The success of the Scrapie Eradication Program is tied to producers keeping good records of animal sales and purchases.
To obtain official ID tags in Massachusetts, you need a flock or premises ID number registered with MDAR and recorded in the National Scrapie Database. A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from approved sources. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.
Required records for Massachusetts sheep and goat producers generally include:
- Animal acquisition records: The official ID number, date of purchase, and source premises for every animal you bring onto your property.
- Animal disposition records: The official ID number, date of sale or death, and destination for every animal that leaves your premises.
- Tag application records: Documentation of when and to which animal each official tag was applied.
- Movement documentation: Copies of health certificates and Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) associated with incoming or outgoing animals.
The 2019 final rule amended the scrapie regulations by simplifying, reducing, or removing certain recordkeeping requirements while maintaining the core traceability framework. MDAR provides a Massachusetts Scrapie Program Order form and a Sheep-Goat Tag Report Form to help producers document their tag orders and animal inventories in a format acceptable to the state.
For context on how Massachusetts approaches animal regulation more broadly, see resources on roadkill laws in Massachusetts and venomous animals in Massachusetts, which reflect the state’s wide-ranging oversight of animal-related activities.
Interstate and Intrastate Movement Rules for Sheep and Goats in Massachusetts
Movement rules are among the most operationally significant parts of the scrapie program. Violations can result in animals being turned back at the state line or seized on arrival.
Bringing Animals Into Massachusetts
All sheep and goats, except for immediate slaughter, transported into Massachusetts from any point outside the Commonwealth must be accompanied by an official certificate of veterinary inspection (OCVI, health certificate) approved by the livestock official of the state of origin. The OCVI should include a statement that “All listed sheep and goats are free of scabies, lice, foot-rot, sore mouth, and have not been exposed to scrapie.”
Animals from herds, droves, or flocks under quarantine or from areas under quarantine for any disease will not be allowed entry. This is a hard stop — no exceptions apply for animals originating from a quarantined premises.
Cattle, swine, goats, sheep, llamas/camelids, horses, and other equines must have valid health certificates issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days of import to Massachusetts. For sheep and goats specifically, official individual ID must also be in place before the animals cross the state line.
Moving Animals Out of Massachusetts
When you move sheep or goats out of Massachusetts to another state, the receiving state’s rules apply, but you must still ensure your animals carry valid official ID and are accompanied by a CVI issued by an accredited veterinarian. The revision to federal regulations 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.
Intrastate Movement Within Massachusetts
Massachusetts enforces official ID requirements for intrastate movement as well. All sheep and goats born in Massachusetts must be officially identified upon leaving their premises of origin or reaching 18 months of age, whichever comes first. This applies to sales at livestock markets, transfers between farms, and animals attending shows or exhibitions.
| Movement Type | Official ID Required | Health Certificate Required | Quarantine Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import into MA (non-slaughter) | Yes | Yes, within 30 days | Yes — quarantined animals barred |
| Import into MA (immediate slaughter) | Yes (USDA waybill/back tag) | No | Yes |
| Export out of MA | Yes | Yes (per destination state) | Destination state rules apply |
| Intrastate sale or transfer | Yes (at 18 months or departure) | Not required for routine moves | N/A |
| Shows and exhibitions | Yes | Yes, required on fair premises | Yes |
Reporting, Testing, and Quarantine Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a Consistent State under federal scrapie regulations, which means it is required to maintain active reporting, investigation, and quarantine procedures. As a producer, you have specific obligations in each of these areas.
Reporting Obligations
Particular diseases must be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Division of Animal Health when detected or suspected in animals that are living in or recently imported into Massachusetts. The Division should also be notified if there has been exposure to animals that have recently been exported from Massachusetts.
The accreditation standards require reporting of live or dead scrapie suspects to state and federal authorities. If you observe any animal in your flock showing neurological signs — including progressive weight loss, behavioral changes, tremors, or loss of coordination — you must report the suspected case to MDAR without delay.
Testing
Producers, accredited veterinarians, APHIS representatives, and state animal health employees may collect and submit samples from adult sheep or goats. 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.
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. Each sample you submit contributes to the data needed for the U.S. to eventually declare itself scrapie-free. You can find the APHIS scrapie testing guidance and contact information for your state’s designated scrapie epidemiologist through the USDA APHIS website.
Quarantine
Consistent States must effectively quarantine all scrapie-infected and source flocks and all high-risk, affected, suspect, and scrapie-positive animals. If a positive case is confirmed in your flock, MDAR and APHIS will work together to designate your flock’s status and issue a quarantine order.
State programs must conduct tracebacks of scrapie-positive animals and traceouts of high-risk and exposed animals and report any out-of-state traces to the appropriate state within 45 days of receipt of notification of a scrapie-positive animal, and conduct tracebacks based on slaughter sampling within 15 days of receipt of notification of a scrapie-positive animal at slaughter.
If your flock is placed under quarantine, you cannot move animals off your premises without written authorization from MDAR. Flock owners that maintain a flock after receiving indemnity are required to maintain that flock under a post-exposure management and monitoring plan for 5 years, which is consistent with normal epidemiological practice and guidance in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program standards.
Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) in Massachusetts
Beyond mandatory compliance, Massachusetts producers can pursue voluntary certification through the Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP). This program offers measurable benefits for producers who want to demonstrate a low scrapie risk profile to buyers and trading partners.
What the SFCP Is
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 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 was revised in 2013 to enhance surveillance strategy and align with the final push toward national eradication.
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.
| Category | Status | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Export | Export Monitored | Demonstrates active monitoring; entry point to certification pathway |
| Export | Export Certified | Certifies flock as scrapie-free; enables export of breeding stock and embryos |
| Select | Select Monitored | Demonstrates negligible scrapie risk; improves domestic marketability |
How to Qualify
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 enroll your Massachusetts flock in the SFCP, you need to:
- Ensure all animals in your flock carry official individual ID.
- Maintain complete acquisition and disposition records for all sheep and goats on your premises.
- Agree to annual inspections and inventory reconciliation by MDAR and/or APHIS.
- Submit samples from eligible animals as required by the program standards.
- Limit new additions to your flock to animals from flocks of equal or higher SFCP status.
For more information on this voluntary program, including how to enroll, contact scrapie@usda.gov. You can also reach MDAR’s Division of Animal Health directly at 857-348-3922 to discuss enrollment steps specific to Massachusetts. The full program standards are published by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services and are available in electronic form on their website.
Prevention remains your most powerful tool regardless of certification status. The most effective method of scrapie prevention is to maintain a closed flock. Raising replacement ewes, purchasing genetically resistant (RR) rams, or buying from a certified-free scrapie flock are other options to reduce the risk of scrapie.
Understanding the full scope of animal health regulations in Massachusetts helps you operate with confidence. For more on how the Commonwealth manages wildlife and regulated species, explore guides on types of snakes in Massachusetts, types of hawks in Massachusetts, and invasive insects in Massachusetts — all part of the broader regulatory and ecological picture for animal owners in the state.
Conclusion
The Scrapie Eradication Program in Massachusetts is a multi-layered system built on identification, traceability, movement controls, and surveillance. Your obligations as a producer begin the moment a sheep or goat is born on your premises or arrives from another location, and they continue through every sale, transfer, and death in your flock.
The key actions you need to take are straightforward: obtain a flock ID, tag your animals with official ID before they leave your premises, maintain accurate acquisition and disposition records, use health certificates for all interstate movement, report any suspect animals to MDAR promptly, and submit samples from animals over 18 months of age that die on your farm. If you want to go further, enrolling in the SFCP can open new markets and demonstrate your commitment to a scrapie-free future for Massachusetts’s sheep and goat industry.
Contact MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at 857-348-3922 or reach USDA APHIS Veterinary Services at 1-866-873-2824 with any questions about your specific obligations under the program.