The National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) of the USDA is currently testing a new disease management grant that will provide electronic identification tags for sheep producers. Oregon sale barns will be the main focus of this grant, as they are already using EID tags for both sheep and cattle. According to American Sheep Industry Executive Director Peter Orwick, there has been some progress in using ID tags at sale barns, but the technology for sheep to move at a speed of commerce is still lacking.
Despite mature sheep ID interstate requirements for over two decades due to the scrapie program, the industry has not yet transitioned to the EID format. Orwick explains that economics also play a role in the slow adoption of EID tags for sheep. Spending $3 – $4 dollars per tag per sheep is not financially feasible for producers at this time. Additionally, the technology for EID tags is still in the process of development and refinement, and has not yet reached a point where it is effective and efficient for widespread use in the industry.
However, as the industry continues to work towards improving the technology and reducing costs, sheep producers are hopeful that EID tags will become a more practical and viable option in the future. With further advancements in technology and cost reduction measures, EID tags may become an essential tool in managing diseases among sheep herds.
