What is considered official animal identification?
Nationally, the mandatory SEP requires that sheep and goats over 18 months of age be officially identified with USDA approved ID (ear tags, tattoos, or in some circumstances, microchips) when moved interstate, exhibited, or upon change of ownership. USDA tags are provided free to producers. Microchips are acceptable if the producer is enrolled in the voluntary SFCP. For purebred animals, the breed registration tattoo is acceptable as identification.
