Scrapie Eradication Program in South Dakota: Rules Every Sheep and Goat Owner Must Know
July 18, 2026
If you raise sheep or goats in South Dakota, the Scrapie Eradication Program is not optional — it is a mandatory federal and state program that governs how you identify, move, and manage your animals. Failing to comply can result in quarantine, restricted movement, and significant economic losses for your operation.
This guide walks you through every major requirement of the program as it applies to South Dakota producers, from animal identification and flock registration to interstate movement rules and the voluntary Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program.
What Is Scrapie and Why It Is Regulated in South Dakota
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. First recognized as a disease of sheep in Great Britain and other countries of Western Europe more than 250 years ago, scrapie has been reported throughout the world.
The agent responsible for scrapie and other TSEs is smaller than the smallest known virus and has not been completely characterized. The most widely accepted theory is that the disease is caused by an infectious protein, or prion, that causes the normal cellular version of the protein to change shape such that it can no longer be degraded by the cell. There is no treatment and no cure — once clinical signs appear, the animal will not recover.
The presence of classical scrapie in the U.S. sheep and goat population affects the industry economically through production losses, lost exports, and increased production and disposal costs. The presence of scrapie in the United States also prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries.
In the United States, scrapie has primarily been reported in the black-face meat breeds and their crosses. It has also been diagnosed in numerous other breeds and crossbreeds, including wool and hair sheep, and in goats.
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.
South Dakota classifies sheep and goats as livestock under SDCL Title 40, which governs all animal husbandry, livestock identification, and disease control matters statewide. This classification places all scrapie-related compliance squarely within the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Animal Industry Board (SDAIB).
South Dakota’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. South Dakota participates in this program through the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, which works alongside USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to enforce identification requirements, conduct disease investigations, and maintain surveillance activities.
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).
The program’s goals are to eradicate classical scrapie from the United States and to meet World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) criteria for disease freedom. Since 2002, the prevalence of scrapie has decreased significantly through existing eradication efforts, largely as a result of effective slaughter surveillance. Since slaughter surveillance started in FY 2003, the percent of cull sheep found positive at slaughter (once adjusted for face color) has decreased 99 percent.
The objective of USDA’s Consistent State Review (CSR) is to determine if a state is in compliance with 9 CFR 79.6 through review of records and documents, database management, compliance with sheep and goat identification requirements, scrapie disease investigations, surveillance activities, and general program administration and delivery.
The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (SDAIB) is the primary regulatory body overseeing livestock health and movement in the state. The SDAIB enforces disease reporting requirements, manages animal import and export rules, and maintains records related to herd health. Any goat owner in South Dakota — whether operating commercially or keeping a small backyard herd — falls under the board’s jurisdiction for health-related matters. The same applies to sheep producers of every scale.
Official Animal Identification Requirements in South Dakota
Federal and South Dakota state law stipulate that all sexually intact sheep and goats over 18 months of age must have an official ID when moved off their premises of origin. This is among the most fundamental requirements every producer must understand before moving any animal.
According to the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, the following animals are required to have official ear tags or tattoos:
- All sheep 18 months and older
- All breeding sheep
- All scrapie-exposed, suspect, test-positive, and high-risk animals
- Breeding goats, except low-risk commercial goats
- All sheep and goats being transported for exhibition
In South Dakota, scrapie tags are used for identification on interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (ICVIs), test charts, and intrastate sales. Scrapie tagging records are kept by the sale barn, veterinarian, or the producer who applies the tags.
There are several approved forms of official identification under the NSEP:
- Official eartags — plastic, metal, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags bearing the U.S. shield and a unique flock/premises ID number
- Registry tattoos — for registered animals from APHIS-approved breed registries
- APHIS-assigned flock ID tattoos — for non-registered animals, using the flock ID number plus an individual animal number
- Implantable microchips (RFID) — subject to specific restrictions outlined in the NSEP Program Standards
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.
To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824). The National Scrapie Eradication Program provides 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.
Electronic tags (RFID) contain electronic chips that can be scanned to quickly access the animal’s identification data. While electronic identification is not currently mandatory, its use is strongly encouraged. Electronic tags improve the nation’s ability to quickly trace exposed and diseased animals in the event of a disease outbreak, making them a valuable tool in disease prevention and response.
Official tags may not be sold or given to another person. If you no longer need the tags, they should be destroyed or returned to the APHIS Veterinary Services District Field Office for your state.
Flock Registration and Recordkeeping Requirements in South Dakota
Before you can obtain official scrapie identification tags, you must first register your flock or premises with USDA APHIS. A flock identification (ID) number is a nationally unique number assigned by a State, federally recognized Tribal, or Federal animal health authority to a group of animals that are managed as a unit on one or more premises and are under the same ownership.
The flock ID number must begin with the State postal abbreviation or APHIS-assigned Tribal code, must have no more than nine alphanumeric characters, and must not contain the characters “I,” “O,” or “Q” other than as part of the State postal abbreviation or another standardized format authorized by the administrator and recorded in the National Scrapie Database.
A flock or premises ID is required to order tags from approved manufacturers. A national premises ID is also required to purchase official 840 RFID tags or implantable devices.
Once your flock is registered and animals are tagged, you are required to maintain ongoing records. Key recordkeeping requirements under the NSEP include:
- Animal acquisition records — document each animal brought onto your premises, including the official ID number, source flock, and date of arrival
- Animal disposition records — record each animal sold, transferred, or disposed of, including the buyer’s name, address, and date of sale
- Tag application records — log each tag applied, including the tag number and the animal it was applied to
- Death and euthanasia records — record all animal deaths, especially for animals over 18 months of age, as these may require scrapie testing
Records must be kept for five 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.
Interstate and Intrastate Movement Rules for Sheep and Goats in South Dakota
Movement rules for sheep and goats in South Dakota operate on two levels: federal baseline requirements and state-specific requirements enforced by the SDAIB. Some states have identification requirements that are stricter than federal requirements, so the exceptions listed in federal guidance do not apply in all states.
The 2001 revision of the scrapie 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. South Dakota complies with this requirement, meaning intrastate sales also trigger official ID requirements in most cases.
The following table summarizes the key movement scenarios and their requirements for South Dakota sheep and goat producers:
| Movement Type | Official ID Required? | CVI Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate movement (breeding/non-slaughter) | Yes | Yes (electronic CVI) | All sexually intact animals over 18 months must be tagged |
| Interstate movement (direct to slaughter) | Group ID acceptable | Check destination state | All animals in a truck section must be from the same flock of origin |
| Intrastate sale or change of ownership | Yes | Generally not required | Scrapie tags recorded by sale barn, vet, or producer |
| Exhibition (shows and fairs) | Yes | Yes (for out-of-state events) | CVI required for most in-state shows as well |
| Grazing movement (same owner, no change of ownership) | Group ID may be acceptable | No (if no ownership change) | Premises must be recorded in the National Scrapie Database |
Another requirement producers should be aware of, if any out-of-state activities are planned, is the need for a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). These are required for most interstate movements of sheep and goats. Your local licensed, accredited veterinarian can provide services to inspect and prepare your animals for interstate movements. While there are some exceptions to this rule, if you are planning to attend any show out of state or within South Dakota, you will need a CVI.
Some states require rams to test negative for epididymitis (Brucella ovis) or originate from a Brucella ovis-free flock. For example, South Dakota requires breeding rams 6 months of age or older to test negative using an ELISA test within 30 days prior to entering the state, or originate from a flock free of Brucella ovis that has a test record within the past year.
If you are bringing sheep or goats into South Dakota from another state, veterinary inspection is conducted at all markets, with the inspecting veterinarian verifying that Animal Industry Board regulations and interstate movement requirements are being met. You can review South Dakota’s current import requirements through the SDAIB animal movement page or by contacting the board directly at 605-773-3321.
Reporting, Testing, and Quarantine Requirements in South Dakota
Surveillance and reporting are the backbone of scrapie eradication. South Dakota producers, veterinarians, and sale barn operators all have specific obligations when it comes to identifying and reporting suspect animals.
Infected sheep are identified through active slaughter surveillance, reporting of suspect animals by producers and accredited veterinarians, testing of mature sheep or goats that die on farm or at other locations, and live-animal testing of higher-risk animals.
Submission of samples from sheep and goats over 18 months of age found dead or euthanized on your farm is extremely important. Contact your State Veterinarian or the USDA Veterinary Services Office for your state if your sheep or goat, older than 12 months, exhibits clinical signs of scrapie.
Clinical signs that should prompt immediate reporting include:
- Incoordination or loss of balance
- Severe, continuous rubbing or scratching against fences or structures
- Progressive weight loss despite normal appetite
- Changes in behavior, including increased nervousness or aggression
- Wool loss or skin damage from repeated rubbing
- Difficulty swallowing or abnormal head posture
Under South Dakota administrative rules, sheep and goats showing evidence of scrapie at slaughter must submit the flock for testing for scrapie within six months from notice to do so by the state veterinarian.
When a flock is placed under investigation, a quarantine is typically applied. Positive animals are reported to the state of origin based on the scrapie identification tag. The farm of origin is contacted and an investigation is initiated on the source herd.
The accreditation standards require accredited veterinarians to report live or dead scrapie suspects to State and Federal authorities. In addition to this critical role, accredited veterinarians are the producers’ primary source of education about all aspects of the program, including identification, recordkeeping, and movement requirements. 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.
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; and genetic testing of sheep for scrapie susceptibility.
Genetic susceptibility testing is an important tool for South Dakota producers managing an exposed flock. RR sheep are nearly completely resistant to scrapie, QR sheep are susceptible, and QQ sheep are highly susceptible when exposed to scrapie. Susceptibility testing is accomplished by taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for genetic sequencing. This information can help you prioritize which animals to retain or remove from your breeding program. Learn more about South Dakota livestock and animal regulations that may affect your operation.
Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) in South Dakota
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 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.
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.
The SFCP identifies scrapie-free flocks by monitoring them over a 5-to-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.
Participation in the SFCP offers several practical advantages for South Dakota producers:
- Higher sale prices — buyers of breeding stock pay a premium for animals from certified flocks
- Easier interstate movement — certified flock status can simplify movement documentation requirements
- Export eligibility — Export Certified status may allow you to sell breeding stock, semen, or embryos to countries that restrict imports from non-certified sources
- Disease risk reduction — the program’s acquisition restrictions and annual inspections help you maintain a lower-risk flock over time
USDA’s scrapie flock certification program provides buyers of breeding stock with assurance that the seller’s sheep, if enrolled in the program, are less likely to have scrapie. Those who voluntarily enroll in this program are in compliance with all regulatory rules.
SFCP tags may only be purchased by owners of flocks participating in the Scrapie-Free Flock Certification Program. These tags are visually distinct from standard program tags, signaling certified status to buyers and inspectors at markets and shows.
The only absolute way to prevent an introduction of scrapie into a flock is to prohibit all movements of sheep and goats into a flock. Until a more sensitive, cost-effective live-animal test is available, the risk can be substantially reduced by maintaining a closed ewe flock, by acquiring female animals only from certified-free flocks, zones, or countries, and/or by acquiring ewes that are genetically resistant or less susceptible.
To enroll in the SFCP in South Dakota, contact the SDAIB at 605-773-3321 or reach out to the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for your area. You can also call 1-866-USDA-TAG (866-873-2824) to begin the enrollment process. For related livestock regulations in South Dakota, see our guides on goat ownership laws in South Dakota, animal-specific regulations, and other ownership requirements that may apply to your property.
South Dakota’s sheep and goat producers play a direct role in whether the United States achieves national scrapie-free status. Without producer cooperation, the U.S. will not be able to declare itself free of scrapie, costing the sheep and goat industries approximately $10 to $20 million annually. By maintaining proper identification, submitting samples from dead or euthanized animals, and reporting suspect cases promptly, you contribute to an outcome that benefits every producer in the state and across the country. Contact the SDAIB or USDA APHIS with any questions about your specific compliance obligations.