ASI is the national organization which represents the interests of more than 100,000 sheep producers located throughout the U.S. Members include pasture-based flocks, range operations, sheep…

ASI is the national organization which represents the interests of more than 100,000 sheep producers located throughout the U.S. Members include pasture-based flocks, range operations, sheep dairies, solar grazers, etc. ASI is a federation of 45 state sheep associations as well as individual members. Efforts to control and eliminate scrapie from the united states have been ongoing since 1952. The partnership between industry (ASI), state and federal governments has been successful in that there has not been a case of scrapie in the US since 2021. If no additional cases of scrapie are found in the next 2.5 years, the US can submit a dossier to the world organization for animal health (woah) to declare freedom. This would be in january 2028. As we approach the eradication of scrapie IT is important to continue education and plan for the future. The purpose of this agreement is for the american sheep industry to work in cooperation with aphis, veterinary services to facilitate the national scrapie eradication program by continuing to educate not only their membership but the sheep industry in general. ASI continues work to identify where there are knowledge gaps and informational needs. Specifically, there are a significant number of smaller sheep producers that are not members of traditional livestock organizations. ASI plans to reach out to these sheep owners by identifying groups on social media. They also plan to promote their educational and outreach messages by social media.