The Colorado Department of Agriculture stands ready with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture grant extension to help sheep producers test herds for scrapie susceptibility.

"We are happy to have this grant to help protect Colorado's sheep industry," says Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr. "The department began this program in September, 2003, and it has been extremely successful."

Scrapie, an infectious and possibly fatal disease, costs the sheep industry up to $25 million a year.

The grant will pay for half the testing costs of a total of 500 rams and 200 ewe lambs.

The Rocky Mountain Regional Animal Health Lab performs the test for $14.75 for the first 10 samples, and $11 for each additional animal. Through the cost share program with the federal grant, growers pay half that amount.

Producers who want to participate in the program must have all sheep tagged with an official premises identification number. Premises identification tags are available by calling (866) USDA-TAG.

"Producers are required to tag goats due to Colorado's loss of commercial goat status," notes Roehr. "If Colorado is to receive that status again, we must remain vigilant in protecting our herds from this disease."

Educational outreach to sheep and goat producers is another important factor for the grant; meetings are being planned across the state to help educate livestock owners about scrapie and how to protect their herds. Additional meeting details are not yet available.

To register for genetic testing or to set up a meeting, contact Ed Kline at (303) 249-0685.