|
|
Scrapie rule aims to protect state herdsColorado The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds Colorado producers to tag and identify their sheep and goats for scrapie prior to a change of ownership or going to a livestock show. "This is the time of year when many producers will be taking their livestock to market and most sheep and goats are required to be tagged; this is an important step in protecting the industry," said State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an accelerated program to eradicate scrapie in the nation's sheep flocks and goat herds. The National Scrapie Eradication Program includes participation by state governments and industry, particularly producers. Scrapie is an infectious and fatal disease of sheep and goats, which causes production losses and a degeneration of the central nervous system resulting in a variety of behavioral and locomotive changes. Symptoms include tremors, scratching or rubbing, weakness, weight loss, biting of feet and limbs, lip smacking, lack of coordination, and gait abnormalities including high-stepping of the forelegs, hopping like a rabbit, and swaying of the back end. The scrapie agent is thought to be spread most commonly from the ewe to her offspring at lambing and through contact between infected and susceptible sheep and goats. In 1947, the first case of scrapie was diagnosed in the U.S. in sheep originating from Britain via Canada. The presence of the infection prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries and costs the sheep industry between $20 to $25 million per year. "Producers are required to tag goats due to Colorado's loss of commercial goat status," continued Roehr. "If Colorado is to receive that status again, we must remain vigilant in protecting our herds from this disease." The NSEP set tagging rules to help protect the sheet and goat industry. Sheep required to be officially tagged: --All sexually intact sheep regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older upon change of ownership or cull animals moving to slaughter. --All sexually intact sheep regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older for show or exhibition. --All breeding sheep regardless of age upon change of ownership or cull animals moving to slaughter. --Exception: Lambs moving directly to feedlots for slaughter and federally inspected slaughter facilities.
Goats required to be officially tagged: All sexually intact goats regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older upon change of ownership or cull animals moving to slaughter. All sexually intact goats regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older for show or exhibition and do not have a registration tattoo with registration or the tattoo is illegible. Due to scrapie found in goats in Colorado, all commercial sexually intact goats regardless of age and wethers 18 months of age and older not in slaughter channels. All breeding goats regardless of age upon change of ownership or cull animals moving to slaughter. Exception: Kid goats moving directly to feedlots for slaughter and federally inspected slaughter facilities. The Colorado Department of Agriculture is charged with regulating and reporting tagging rates, disease control and is available to advise producers on the tagging process. Additional information: Scrapie Rules Overview & Fact Sheet: www.colorado.gov/ag/animals, click on "Scrapie Tagging Protocol." USDA Scrapie Information and Uniform Methods & Rules: www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/. Free Scrapie Tags: call USDA at 303-231-5385 or 1-866-USDA-TAG. For information on genetic testing or to set up a meeting, call CDA's Scrapie Coordinator Ed Kline, at 303-249-0685. National Scrapie Educational Initiative: www.eradicatescrapie.org.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
