Hunting seasons around the country are starting up soon, and CWD is top of mind for many hunters this year. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious and fatal neurological disease that affects deer family members, including white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, and moose. Because infected animals can appear healthy before showing symptoms, testing harvested deer is an important part of monitoring and managing the disease.

With CWD becoming a major issue for hunters and landowners around the country, understanding how CWD testing works can help you make informed decisions after a successful hunt and ensure you follow your area’s regulations.

Can You Test a Deer for CWD?

Yes, but CWD testing cannot be performed reliably in the field or at home.

Official CWD testing requires tissue samples from the deer to be submitted to a state wildlife agency, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or other authorized testing facility. The primary tissues used for testing are the brainstem and lymph nodes located in the head and neck.

There is currently no practical live-animal test for detecting CWD in free-ranging deer. If CWD has been recently identified in your area, testing harvested deer may be a good idea to ensure the meat is safe and that you are not at risk of inadvertently spreading the disease further. 

How Does CWD Testing Work?

1. Check Your State’s CWD Testing Program

CWD surveillance and testing programs vary across the country. Some states offer voluntary testing, while others may require testing in specific counties, seasons, or situations. Before hunting, check with your state’s wildlife agency to find out:

• Whether CWD testing is available in your area
• Whether testing is required for your harvest
• Where samples can be submitted
• Whether testing is free
• How samples should be collected and submitted
• How long results are expected to take

Following your state’s current CWD regulations is especially important if you plan to transport a harvested deer across state lines.

2. Have the Appropriate Tissue Samples Collected

Official CWD testing requires specific tissue samples from the animal.

The two primary samples used for CWD surveillance are the brainstem and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes, located at the top of the neck/back of the throat. These tissues can contain detectable abnormal prions associated with CWD.

Because collecting the correct tissue samples requires knowledge of deer anatomy and proper sampling procedures, hunters should follow the instructions provided by their state wildlife agency or authorized testing location. Some states provide designated CWD sampling stations where trained personnel collect the samples for hunters.

3. Submit the Samples for Laboratory Testing

Once collected, tissue samples are submitted to an approved laboratory for testing. CWD is diagnosed using laboratory methods designed to detect the abnormal prions associated with the disease.

4. Wait for Your Results

CWD testing is not an instant process. Depending on the state, laboratory, and testing program, results may take anywhere from several days to several weeks.

Many state wildlife agencies offer CWD testing at no cost to hunters, although availability and fees vary by location. Some testing programs report results within a few weeks, so hunters should check with their state’s wildlife agency for the expected turnaround time.

If you’re waiting for test results, follow your state’s guidance regarding processing, transporting, and consuming the deer. Improper handling of contaminated deer can rapidly spread CWD throughout the country and incur significant legal ramifications in some cases.

What If a Deer Tests Positive for CWD?

If a harvested deer tests positive, the appropriate wildlife agency will guide what to do next. Hunters should follow all instructions regarding the carcass, meat, and any additional testing or reporting requirements.

CWD regulations can vary significantly between states, particularly when it comes to transporting deer or deer parts. Before traveling with a harvested deer, check the regulations for both the state where the animal was harvested and any state through which you will be traveling.

Why Is CWD Testing Important?

CWD is always fatal, and there is currently no known treatment or vaccine for the disease. It can also survive outside the body in the surrounding environment for years, making management and monitoring particularly challenging.

Testing harvested deer gives wildlife professionals valuable information on where CWD is present and how it may spread. This surveillance helps agencies make informed decisions about hunting regulations, disease-management strategies, and efforts to protect wild deer populations. For hunters and landowners, participating in available CWD testing programs is one way to support that effort.

Before Your Next Hunt, Know the CWD Regulations

Before heading into the woods, take a few minutes to check your state’s current wildlife regulations and CWD resources. Knowing where to have a deer tested, what samples are required, and what restrictions apply to transporting a harvested animal can help you avoid surprises after the hunt.

Whether you’re managing a recreational hunting property or looking for your next piece of hunting land, staying informed about CWD and local wildlife regulations is an important part of responsible land and wildlife management.

If you’ve got questions about CWD and how to protect game populations in your area, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!