Sheep (Domestic) Entry Requirement

Sheep Entry Requirement Fact Sheet

California requires an Interstate Livestock Entry Permit for sheep moving into California.

Exemption:

  • Sheep less than 18 months of age that have not lambed, have not aborted or are not pregnant, and moving directly to a state or federally approved slaughter facility.

To obtain an Interstate Livestock Entry Permit, call the CDFA Animal Health Branch Permit Line at (916) 900-5052, before moving sheep into the state. Permits are valid for fifteen (15) days after issue.

California requires an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) for sheep within thirty (30) days before moving into the state with this statement 'The animals are not scrapie-positive or suspect or from a scrapie non-compliant flock".

Exemption:

  • Sheep less than 18 months of age that have not lambed, have not aborted or are not pregnant, and moving directly to a state or federally approved slaughter facility.

Ovine Brucellosis - Rams

A negative Brucella Ovis test is required for all rams 6 months of age and older within 60 days prior to entry.

  • A California Ram that is entered in a show or sale out of state, then returns to California.
  • Rams from a certified Brucella ovis-free flock.

Vesicular Stomatitis

— Based on the international delisting of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) and recent scientific evidence, California is revising the VS entry requirement statement on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection from VS affected states.

California import requirements specify that all horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed, (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter), must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:

“I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within 72 hours of shipment date and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last thirty (30) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located on a VS confirmed or a VS suspected premises.”

Official Identification (ID)

California requires all sheep imported into the state or changing ownership within the state to bear Official Identification (ID). Official ID must be an identification mark or device approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The ID must be written on, or a list attached to the CVI. Flocks may list the official ID as a range of numbers.

Acceptable forms of official animal ID include:

  1. Official Eartags ***
  2. USDA compliant microchips
  3. Official tattoos:
    1. Flock ID w/Individual Animal ID
    2. Registration tattoo, if recorded in a Purebred Registry Association Book with documentation attached to the CVI

Exemptions:

  • Sheep less than 18 months of age that have not lambed, have not aborted, or are not pregnant, and movement is directly to a state or federally approved slaughter facility.
  • Castrated sheep less than 18 months of age, except those for exhibition.

All sheep changing ownership within California require official ID, except:

  • Sheep less than 18 months of age moving directly to a state or federally approved slaughter facility that have not lambed, have not aborted or are not pregnant.
  • Castrated sheep less than 18 months of age NOT for exhibition.

*** Official Ear tag: An identification tag providing unique identification for the individual animal. An official ear tag must bear the US shield, be tamper resistant, have a high retention rate, and conform to one of the following numbering systems:

  • Flock ID tags (flock ID wIndividual Animal ID on tags)
  • Scrapie program tags
  • Serial ID tags (State code + serial numbers & letters)
  • Animal Identification Number (AIN) (RFID or visual)

Contact Us

CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services,
Animal Health Branch

1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-900-5002
Fax: 916-900-5333
Email: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov
Our offices are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.