Livestock Health & Scrapie Identification Guidelines

Scrapie is a fatal, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of sheep and goats. The USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program requires official identification for many classes of sheep before they change ownership or move interstate.

• Sexually intact sheep: All sexually intact sheep must have official USDA Scrapie ID before they are sold, traded, or moved to a new owner. Common forms include official USDA metal tags, USDA-approved RFID tags, and registration tattoos accepted by breed associations.
• Exhibition / show lambs: Many shows, fairs, and jackpot events require official Scrapie ID on all exhibition sheep regardless of sex. Check each event’s health rules before hauling.
• Record keeping: Sellers should record the Scrapie tag number in their flock records and, when applicable, on the animal’s listing paperwork. Buyers should verify the tag is present and readable at pickup.
• Tag replacement: If a tag is lost, contact your state veterinarian or the USDA Scrapie hotline (1-866-USDA-TAG) for guidance on retagging.

Moving sheep across state lines usually requires compliance with the destination state’s import regulations. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), sometimes called a health certificate, is commonly required.

• CVI basics: A CVI is an official document issued by an accredited veterinarian after an inspection. It typically lists the animals, their IDs, the consignor, the consignee, and any required test or vaccination statements.
• Timing: Many states require the CVI to be issued within 30 days of entry. Some shows or sales may require a shorter window.
• Brand inspections / ownership: Certain western states also require a brand inspection or owner-shipper statement in addition to a CVI.
• Buyer responsibility: Buyers arranging interstate hauling should confirm the destination state’s entry requirements and ensure the seller can provide the necessary health paperwork before transport.

Show lambs represent a significant investment for junior exhibitors and families. Soundness and presentation standards help ensure a positive experience in the ring and a healthy animal at home.

• Structural soundness: Evaluate feet, legs, pasterns, topline, and overall movement. Avoid selling or showing lambs with chronic lameness, severe structural defects, or untreated health issues.
• Body condition & fleece: Maintain appropriate body condition and follow show rules for fleece length, shearing dates, and washing/drying before arrival.
• Tail docking: Many shows require docked tails of a specific length (often no shorter than the distal end of the vulva in ewe lambs, or a comparable standard for wethers). Dock too short can result in disqualification or animal welfare concerns.
• Health at departure: Do not haul a lamb that is febrile, coughing, scouring, or showing signs of contagious disease. Isolate new arrivals and observe for illness before commingling.

Good biosecurity protects your flock, your buyers, and the broader show community. Consider these practices when buying, selling, or exhibiting sheep.

• Isolate new animals: Quarantine newly purchased sheep for at least 14–30 days and monitor for signs of illness before introducing them to your home flock.
• Clean equipment: Disinfect trailers, feeders, water buckets, and show equipment between groups and events.
• Footbaths & visitor control: Use footbaths at facility entrances and limit visitor contact with animals when possible.
• Vaccination & parasite programs: Work with your veterinarian to establish appropriate vaccination, deworming, and parasite-resistance protocols for your region.
• Traceability: Keep accurate records of purchases, sales, movements, treatments, and Scrapie tag numbers to support disease traceability if needed.

The Sale Pen is an advertising and marketplace connection platform. We do not independently inspect animals, verify health certificates, or guarantee compliance with any federal, state, or show rule.

• Seller responsibility: Breeders are responsible for ensuring that animals they list meet applicable health, identification, and movement requirements.
• Buyer responsibility: Buyers are responsible for confirming health paperwork, Scrapie ID, CVI requirements, and any show-specific rules directly with the seller and relevant authorities before completing a purchase or hauling an animal.
• Not veterinary advice: These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace advice from a licensed veterinarian or official regulatory guidance.

For the most current requirements, consult the following resources:

• USDA APHIS National Scrapie Eradication Program
• Your state veterinarian / department of agriculture
• Show or fair entry rules published by the event organizer
• Your accredited local veterinarian

If you have questions about how The Sale Pen handles listing compliance or health-related content, contact us at:

The Sale Pen
Email: admin@thesalepen.com