Goat tracker wanted at USDA

The Agriculture Department wants to identify and track sheep and goats throughout the country to eradicate scrapie, a fatal nervous system disease characterized by twitching, intense itching, excessive thirst, emaciation, weakness and paralysis.

The ID system must be usable for most types of sheep and goats and in diverse environments. Identification devices must be easily attached or inserted in animals with minimal risk to them. Equipment that reads the devices must meet international standards and be readable by devices manufactured by other vendors. Responses are due by Sept. 7. Contact Patricia Harris at patricia.y.haris@usda.gov.