By Dr. Cheryl Miller, DVM & Denise Derrer, Public Information Officer

In 2006, one word created a lot of buzz at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH): identification. From the scrapie program to the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), sheep producers have had their share of experience with identification. As the year winds down, now is a good time to update Hoosier sheep producers regarding the scrapie program, as well as premise ID.

Scrapie Update
The scrapie identification program is not the same as the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP). Participation in the official scrapie ID program is required of all sheep and goat owners; SFCP is not.

To meet Indiana’s identification requirements, all sheep must have appropriate individual identification, applied at the animal’s farm of origin. (That is: Where it was born.) All animals must have proper, official identification (tags or tattoo for registered stock) before moving to a market, show or sale barn.

In general, that means all sheep are required to have official ID, except wethers younger than 18 months of age, as well as young intact animals moving straight to slaughter. For detailed information, see the BOAH Animal Health Advisory.

Sheep producers should be pleased to know that their hard work and diligence with the scrapie program is paying off. The number of positive animals identified across the country has declined from 2005 to 2006. Within Indiana, however, the numbers have remained steady. According to BOAH Scrapie Director Cheryl Miller, DVM, Indiana’s timeframe seems to have moved with more positives being identified in late summer, instead of the usual spring window.

Meanwhile, USDA has expanded the focus of the program to include the goat population, without de-emphasizing sheep surveillance. While goat surveillance may not seem relevant to sheep producers, USDA notes that of 20 scrapie-positive goats found nationally, 19 of those have been associated with a positive sheep flock. Therefore, goat producers are an important part of this program.

Premise Identification
The scrapie program has not been the only program of interest to Hoosier sheep producers in 2006. Premise ID program has also generated buzz in the sheep industry. As of Sept 1, 2006, anyone involved with the purchase, sale or exhibition of livestock including sheep and goats, is required to have a premise ID number. To date, BOAH has registered approximately 22,000 livestock premises in Indiana. That includes 2950 sheep premises and 3449 goat sites. The registration rule was approved last fall in an effort to update and modernize Indiana’s century-old system for tracing livestock in an animal health emergency.

Registration costs nothing and can be completed by mail, online (http://www.boah.in.gov), or at USDA Farm Service Agency offices and via industry partners (including Indiana Pork Producers Association, Indiana Horse Council and Indiana Beef Cattle Association). Livestock owners with questions may call BOAH at 317/227-0328 or email: animalid@boah.in.gov.

For more information regarding Indiana’s scrapie program or the premise identification program, visit http://www.boah.in.gov or call 317/227-0300.