Scrapie Tag Options

The state of Tennessee has recently announced their decision to provide plastic Scrapie ear tags to producers and 4-Hers free of charge. These tags will not be provided to the livestock markets. Markets will continue to be provided with the metal Scrapie tags.

This plastic tag is approved for the mandatory Scrapie Eradication Program and is the white, 2X, non-tamper proof plastic tag from Premier. It will contain your individual premises ID as well as a sequential flock ID number. This tag is NOT approved for use in the voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program; participants in that program will continue to have to purchase tags themselves, since tags must be tamper-proof to be approved for this program.

To order plastic Scrapie tags for the mandatory ID program, please call the USDA-APHIS, Veterinary Services office in Nashville at (615) 781-5310. Larry Curlee or myself, would be happy to help you with your order. Be prepared to let us know the following: 1) have you ordered tags before? 2) how many tags will you need? 3) what sequence of numbers would you like printed on the tags? 4) will you need an applicator? We will then fax your order into Premier Tags and the tags will be shipped directly to the producer.

We know, in the past, the metal tags have caused many problems with infection of the ears. We hope, by providing these plastic tags, we can reduce the risk of these infections. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Kimberly A. Kirkham, DVM
Veterinary Medical Officer
USDA-APHIS, Veterinary Services
Ellington Agricultural Center
440 Hogan Road
Nashville, TN 37220
(615) 781-5310 Office
(615) 390-3799 Cell