Sheep Industry News November 2024

New Scrapie Education Materials Available

A SI recently developed new scrapie education materials. The industry has spent nearly 80 years trying to eradicate scrapie from the United States, and we are almost there. To be declared scrapie free, no cases of scrapie can be reported for seven years. In 2021, the last case of scrapie in the United States was identified, which means the country could be declared scrapie free in 2028 if no new cases are reported. The new educational materials include: • a booklet entitled A Quick Guide to Identifying Sheep . • a poster highlighting scrapie identification requirements. • a one-page Frequently Asked Questions on the National Scrapie Eradication Program requirements. • two sets of rack cards on the NSEP requirements that are targeted for farm flock and youth communities. These resources are available online in both English and Spanish at SheepUSA.org and were made possible, in part, by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Visit SheepUSA.org/researcheducation-scrapie to access these resources online. ASI released a new video on identification requirements for sheep this fall, which was also made possible, in part, with fund ing from a USDA/APHIS cooperative agreement. I t’s time once again to submit nominations for ASI awards, which will be presented during the ASI Annual Convention on Jan. 15-18, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The deadline for all award nominations is Nov. 29. There are five awards open for nominations: The McClure Silver Ram Award, the Peter Orwick Camptender Award, the Dis tinguished Producer Award, the Industry Innovation Award and the Shepherd’s Voice Award. The McClure Silver Ram Award is dedicated to volunteer com mitment and service and is presented to a sheep producer who has made substantial contributions to the sheep industry and its organizations in his/her state, region or nation. The Peter Orwick Camptender Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its pro ducers above and beyond what is called for in his/her professional capacity.

Visit YouTube.com/watch?v=KC4R_-WqDt8 to watch Official ID Requirements for Interstate Commerce.

WHAT IS SCRAPIE? Scrapie is a degenerative and eventually fatal disease affecting the central nervous systems of sheep and goats. Animals may appear incoordinated and weak, become thin, be highly sensitive to noise and sudden movements, have tremors, press their heads against solid objects, star gaze and repeatedly rub, leading to bare spots – therefore the disease commonly became known as “scrapie.” HOW CAN THE US BE DECLARED SCRAPIE-FREE? The US flock is within reach of scrapie-free status and reducing burdens of international trade restrictions, consumer perceptions and other issues. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) establishes guidelines for declaring scrapie-freedom. No scrapie cases can be found in sheep or goats for seven years, and an ongoing surveillance and control program must be in place. The last case of scrapie in the US was found in January 2021, which means that if we don’t have another case by 2028, the US can declare freedom from scrapie. It’s time to Finish the Fight! WHAT IS A SCRAPIE “TAG” AND WHAT ANIMALS MUST HAVE IT? There is a requirement through the USDA scrapie eradication regulation that most sheep must be identified to their flock of birth when they leave your property for interstate commerce, such as for sale, shows, events or are commingled with other sheep. Sheep that are commingled with other sheep owned by the same producer, such as for grazing, do not have to be tagged. The most common and easiest method is by using an official scrapie program Eradicating Scrapie in Sheep What Every Farm Flock Owner Needs to Know

ASI Accepting Award Nominations

The Distinguished Producer Award was launched in 2014 to recognize the 150th anniversary of the national organization – the oldest livestock association in the country. This award is a way to recognize an individual who has had a significant long-term impact on the industry, including involvement with the National Wool Growers Association or American Sheep Producers Coun cil. The Industry Innovation Award recognizes the accomplish ments of an individual or organization that improves the Ameri can sheep industry in a game-changing way, regardless of whether its impact is felt at the regional or national level. The Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recognizes outstanding coverage of the sheep industry by either print or broadcast outlets. The award excludes all publications and affiliates related solely to the sheep industry, allowing for recognition of outlets with gen eral coverage of sheep industry issues. Nominations must be submitted to ASI by Nov. 29, and past recipients of these awards are not eligible. Visit SheepUSA.org/ events-awards for more information. sheep and goat ear tag and maintaining tagging and movement records. Lambs in slaughter channels may move without official ear tags but must be accompanied by an owner/hauler statement. Your state or USDA-APHIS veterinarian can provide accurate information and alert you to additional state requirements you need to meet. Call 1-866-USDA-TAG to learn about and order tags, and request a flock ID.

26 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org