ear tags in Florida Dairy goats

Just for the record, Dairy goats do NOT need to have an EAR TAG attached to them.





They only need the certificate of registration and the tattoo sequence clearly marked on the paper and matches the tattoo in the ear. So the ADGA, or AGS, Or comparable goat registry papers, coupled with the tattoo is all that is needed.

If a goat is coming into the State of Florida it needs to also have the OCVI veterinary inspection papers. Testing of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis and thats it. As well, these papers are necessary for shows. If a goat is just moving within the state, to show, then you don't even need the Brucellosis tests or TB tests any longer. As we are a Brucellosis FREE state.

All owners need to get a Scrapie ID number, This can be done over the phone, or now leaving a message, to return your call, and or going to the website and requesting it... And you do not need tags. Sometimes the state employees don't even realize this. Nor do many of the vets. Couple it with owners that are new to goats and the poor things get tagged in error.

And please don't confuse this with the NAIS premise id number. As the confusion lies in the fact that the state calls them by the same name. The confusion is probably to the states favor with new owners not realizing which is which. NAIS is something you want to stay away from voluntarily. Just trust me on this. And because you ask for a "premise ID number" rather than state specifically for a SCRAPIE PREMISE ID NUMBER you just might get sucked into the NAIS without your knowledge.

At the moment its still illegal to enter your name in one and have it automatically roll over into the other. Unless you voluntarily want to sign up for both. KNOW your rights and the state law.

Mandatory National Scrapie eradication program
National Animal Identification system...

One is required by law the NAIS is not... not state law (Florida) or Federal law..

Click here for more information on Goats.

NAIS is the governments way to try and control the food supply. Using trackback as a main reason for its implementation but, there is no way to truly trackback. Its being fought by every small farm across America. And for more education on this please go to

NO NAIS


I found this photo online HERE to help you figure out how to remove these nasty things from their ears. I've never tried it but figure if you have them in their ears this is how to remove them.
When purchasing your goats outside the state of Florida, and bringing them in, don't let them fool you into thinking this is mandatory. Ear tags are only mandatory for MEAT animals and animals going to slaughter.

Official ruling below taken from here:
https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5C-3




http://www.animalagriculture.org/
General site for Scrapie and johnes information

http://www.eradicatescrapie.org/
yes. Scrapie is an evil and debilitating disease. Florida has not seen a case in over 12 years. Nor found in goats, primarily a sheep producers disease.

http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/main/rules.shtml
Florida state agriculture website, rules and codes.

Below is the letter sent out to Florida Farmers by Bronson.

10/7/2008

BRONSON ANNOUNCES NEW RULE REGULATING IDENTIFICATION AND MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the upcoming implementation of a new rule regulating the identification and intrastate movement of sheep and goats. The rule, effective October 10, is designed to prevent the spread of scrapie, a fatal, degenerative disease of the nervous system in these animals.

The rule requires that all sheep and goats moved intrastate for any reason, or when there is a change of ownership, must be identified by their flock/herd of birth, or if that information is unknown, by the flock/herd from which they originated. Only identification methods approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be used. These include official USDA ear tags, identification tattoos, or implanted electronic microchips.

The new rule is being done in conjunction with the USDA's Scrapie Eradication Program, which provides standards for state and federal governments and the industry to monitor, control and eradicate the disease from domestic flocks and herds in the United States. The USDA regulates interstate movement of sheep and goats but the state rule was necessary to ensure the same standards are followed for animals moved within the state's borders.

"It is imperative that the federal government and all the states work together on this eradication program," Bronson said. "In today's marketplace, animals are often moved to many locations. It's important to be able to quickly determine where they are from if they are diagnosed with scrapie."

Information about the flock or herd of origin is necessary because an infected animal may not show clinical symptoms for up to five years, making it more difficult to diagnose and trace back to the original herd to look for a source or other infected animals.

The department's Division of Animal Industry is launching an education effort to get word of the new rule out to producers, dealers, auction markets, petting zoos, 4-H clubs, and any other entities that deal with goats and sheep.

For more information about Administrative Code Rule 5C-29, the scrapie rule, contact the Department's Division of Animal Industry at (850) 410-0900 or visit http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai.