Sheep Movement Requirements

Intrastate (Movement Within Florida)

All sheep moved intrastate for any purpose must be officially identified to their flock/herd of birth.

Only U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)-approved methods of sheep identification may be used. Methods of identification must:

• Be permanent or tamper-evident,
• Be secured to the animal, and
• Display a unique premises and individual animal number traceable to flock/herd of birth or flock/herd of origin.

Approved methods of identification include:

• Official USDA APHIS Veterinary Service ear tags.
• Premises identification tattoos must be legible and contain the flock/herd number and unique animal number.
  • Official registry tattoos must be accompanied by either official breed registration certificate or a health certificate that includes the corresponding official registration number.
• Electronic microchip/implant must be accompanied by owner statement of ID numbers and chip manufacturer, and agent should have a chip reader for verification of placement.

In addition to the identification requirements, sheep originating from Florida presented for exhibition must be accompanied by a health certificate dated not more than 90 days before the exhibition.

Interstate (Movement Between States)

Sheep Imported into Florida

All sheep imported into Florida, except those consigned to slaughter, must be accompanied by a health certificate.

The health certificate must have the following statement:

Each sheep is free of the clinical signs of the diseases: caseous lymphadenitis, contagious ecthyma (Orf), chlamydial keratoconjunctivitis, scabies, scrapie and contagious footrot.

A prior permission number is required for all sheep originating from vesicular stomatitis-affected states under state or USDA APHIS quarantine. The prior permission number can be obtained by calling the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (850) 410-0900 and must be written on the health certificate.

Scrapie tags may be obtained by contacting Abram Lewis with the USDA by calling 1-866-873-2824. Additional information on USDA APHIS movement requirements may be found on the USDA's website: Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep and Goats.

Sheep Imported into Florida for Exhibition

Sheep imported into Florida for exhibition must be accompanied by a health certificate completed within 30 days before the exhibition.

Sheep Consigned to Slaughter

Sheep consigned to slaughter are not required to have a health certificate but do require:

• Evidence of ownership or authority to transport the animals, and
• Official identification.

Sheep consigned to slaughter must be moved directly to a recognized slaughter establishment without stopping or unloading at other livestock facilities while en route.

International (Movement to or from Foreign Countries)

Visit our International Animal Movement Requirements webpage or the USDA website for international import and export requirements.