By EMMA HOPKINS

Indiana Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a recent statement, the USDA revealed it will no longer provide plastic ear tags to sheep and goat producers due to a funding reduction.

Since 2002, the USDA has provided plastic and metal ear tags and applicators to sheep and goat producers free of charge to support animal disease traceability (ADT) and scrapie eradication efforts. But from October 2017 and on, only metal tags – a cheaper option – will be provided free via the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

“This was a USDA decision that came about very quickly,” said Denise Derrer, public information director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH).

“Most producers do use plastic tags. Some are upset because they feel USDA should continue to provide ‘free’ tags. However, USDA no longer has the money to do this. The scrapie program is the only USDA program that provided free tags to the producers.”

Many sheep and goat producers in Indiana and across the country prefer plastic tags because they are easier to read and thought to not cause many ear infections. They can also be safer for shearers, as metal tags can damage electric shears and sometimes cause the blade to “jump” and cut the shearer.

In the statement, USDA said the funding challenges for the free program began during a funding reduction in 2012. “USDA used specific, no-year funding (for scrapie and ADT) to continue purchasing the tags and distributing them free of cost to producers beyond 2012,” a press release stated. “These no-year funds were exhausted in fiscal year 2017.”

Tag applicators, which have in the past been given free with a producer’s first order of free tags, will no longer be free, either. Of course, both plastic tags and applicators are available for a fee directly from approved tag manufactures.

Producers switching to metal tags will need to purchase metal tag applicators, as plastic and metal tags cannot be applied with the same device. BOAH is hopeful that affected producers will continue to tag.

“Hopefully producers see the value in having their animals properly identified and will continue to do so,” Derrer said.

USDA said it will continue to work closely in partnership with states and industry to achieve scrapie eradication, and is still committed to ADT efforts. For more on how to buy tags and applicators, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/scrapie-tags