Skip to main content
Sheep

Sheep

Coming into Michigan from Another State (import)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

1. Sheep must have an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) filled out by an United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin.

  • Please note that Michigan does not issue entry permits for sheep to be imported.  Therefore, no permit number is required to be written on the interstate certificate of veterinary inspection.

Exception: Sheep going directly to slaughter or through a livestock auction market and then to slaughter may be accompanied by an owner hauler statement instead of an interstate CVI.

2. Sheep must have official identification (ID) regardless of age. Official ID numbers must be recorded on the CVI. Animals may only have one official ID tag. 

Official Identification Options:

  1. 840 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ear tag.
  2. USDA Scrapie Tag.
  3. Legible Tattoo: scrapie Flock ID with individual animal tattoo. Tattoos are not considered official ID for slaughter or exhibition animals.
  4. Official neck strap or collar.
    For use in animals that cannot be ear tagged due to absent or injured ears only.
  5. Microchip (EID's)
    • There are many requirements to use a microchip as the sole official ID. For more details contact the USDA Michigan office at 517-337-4705.
    • Microchips are not considered official ID for slaughter animals.

For Sheep going directly to slaughter:

Group Identification Number (GIN) can be used instead of official ID for animals going directly to slaughter. This number must be recorded on the interstate CVI or owner hauler statement. 

Back to top

Exhibition (show, demonstration or display) Requirements

  1. Sheep moving within the state of Michigan for exhibition:
    • Must have official identification (ID) (see Official Identification Options above, under Import Requirements).
  2. Sheep being imported from out of state for exhibition:
    • A completed interstate certificate of veterinary inspection, meeting requirements stated under Import Requirements.
    • Official ID (see Official Identification Options above, under Import Requirements).
  3. Contact the fair, show or exhibition authorities for any additional requirements.

Back to top

Moving within Michigan (intrastate)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

Sheep moving within the state of Michigan must have official identification (see Official Identification Options above, under Import Requirements).

Back to top

Leaving Michigan to go to Another State (export)

  1. Sheep being exported from the state of Michigan must have official identification (see Official Identification Options above, under Import Requirements).
  2. Any time official documentation is needed for animal movement by destination state, official ID numbers must be recorded on document(s).
  3. Please contact the state of destination for their requirements.

Back to top

International Movement

Please contact the United States Department of Agriculture at 517-337-4700.

Back to top