Scrapie & Official Identification for Goats

 HSFGR supports responsible identification, traceability, and compliance with federal and state requirements.

Scrapie is a federally regulated disease program for sheep and goats. In many situations, goats must have official identification before they move across state lines, attend certain shows or events, enter livestock markets, or move through other regulated channels.

This page explains what HSFGR records, what may count as official ID, and what members should know before moving or showing goats.

What HSFGR Records

For each herd, HSFGR may record:

• Official Scrapie Flock ID:
  The flock or herd identification number assigned through USDA/APHIS or your state.
• Premises ID, if available:

The number tied to the physical location or premises. This may be separate from the flock ID.

• Official Tag or Tattoo Information:
  The official ID method used by the herd, such as USDA scrapie tags, 840 RFID tags, APHIS flock ID tattoos, or approved registry tattoos.

If you are unsure what number to provide, enter the number printed on your official scrapie tags or the number listed on your APHIS/state paperwork.

Flock ID, Scrapie Number, and Premises ID

These terms can be confusing because people often use them loosely.

• A Flock ID is the flock/herd identification number assigned through USDA/APHIS or your state. This is commonly what goat owners mean when they say “scrapie number.”
• A Scrapie tag number is the number printed on an official tag. It usually includes the assigned flock ID or official numbering system plus an individual animal number.
• A Premises ID identifies the physical location where animals are kept. It is not always the same thing as a flock ID.

For HSFGR purposes, the most important number to capture is the Official Scrapie Flock ID, with Premises ID recorded when available.

What Counts as Official ID?

Common forms of official identification for goats may include:

Official USDA sheep/goat ear tags
Official RFID “840” tags
Official flock ID tattoos using the APHIS-assigned flock ID plus an individual animal number
Legible tattoos from an APHIS-approved registry, when accompanied by required paperwork
Electronic implantable identification in certain approved situations, with required records

Important note: Tattoos may not be accepted as the only official ID in some situations, such as livestock markets or slaughter channels. Requirements can vary by state, event, and movement type.

Move-Over Goats From Another Registry

If a goat is already registered with an APHIS-approved registry and already has a registry tattoo, HSFGR records that existing tattoo exactly as submitted. HSFGR does not re-identify move-over goats. This preserves traceability and avoids creating conflicting identification records. For interstate movement, shows, or official use, members should keep supporting paperwork with the goat, such as:

• Registration certificate in the current owner’s name
• Registration certificate plus completed transfer paperwork
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, if required
• Any state-required import or movement documents

Best practice: keep copies of registration papers, transfers, CVIs, and ID records in your trailer binder.

Goats Born and Registered With HSFGR

All goats born and registered with HSFGR must be assigned tattoos.

Microchips, RFID Tags, and HSFGR Tattoos

Some goats may have electronic identification, including RFID ear tags or implantable microchips. These are not the same thing.

1. An official 840 RFID tag is usually an electronic ear tag. It has a nationally unique 15-digit number beginning with 840 and must meet USDA official identification requirements.
2. An implantable 840 microchip is placed under the skin. Microchips may be useful for permanent identification, especially when paired with registration records, but they are not automatically accepted as official scrapie identification in every situation. Owners should confirm current USDA/APHIS, state, event, and veterinary requirements before relying on a microchip for official movement or show purposes.

HSFGR may record microchip information when provided, but microchips do not replace the HSFGR tattoo requirement. All goats born and registered with HSFGR must be assigned HSFGR tattoos.

HSFGR requires tattoos because tattoos provide visible registry identification and remain part of the animal’s permanent registry record. Microchips can be difficult to locate without the correct scanner, may not be readable by all events or officials, and can migrate from the original implant site and in some cases, be expelled from the body.

For HSFGR-born goats:  Right ear: herd prefix. Left ear: year code plus individual number

Microchips may be recorded as additional identification, but they are supplemental to the required assignment of HSFGR tattoo. If you choose to use Microchips, you need to purchase a reader and keep it with your goat records at home and bring it with you when traveling.

How to Request Official Tags or ID Numbers

To request official sheep/goat tags, a flock ID, a premises ID, or both, call: 1-866-USDA-TAG or 866-873-2824 You will be routed to the appropriate USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services or state office.

Tip: If you already use a herd prefix, you may ask whether it can be included in your assigned flock ID.

What to Bring to a Show, Sale, or Event

Requirements vary by state and event, but this checklist helps keep records organized.

Bring:

• The goat’s official ID
  Registration certificate, if applicable
• Transfer paperwork, if applicable
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, if crossing state lines or required by the event
• Supporting paperwork if using a registry tattoo
• Flashlight or headlamp for reading tattoos, Reader for microchips
• Copies of your flock ID, premises ID, or official tag records

Always check the rules for the state, show, sale, or event before traveling.

Quick Summary

Move-over goats keep their existing tattoos. HSFGR records them as submitted.

HSFGR-born goats must receive HSFGR tattoos, but HSFGR tattoos are not yet automatically official scrapie ID.

For official scrapie ID needs, use USDA-recognized identification such as official tags, 840 RFID tags, APHIS flock ID tattoos, or approved registry tattoos with required paperwork.

If you need official tags, a flock ID, or a premises ID, call 1-866-USDA-TAG.

When in doubt, ask your veterinarian, state animal health office, or USDA/APHIS before moving goats across state lines.

Official Links

USDA/APHIS Scrapie Tag Information.
USDA/APHIS Sheep and Goat Identification Reference
USDA/APHIS Approved Registry Tattoos
USDA/APHIS Scrapie Recordkeeping Guidance

This page is provided for general guidance only. Members are responsible for following current federal, state, event, and movement requirements.