CWD samples should be collected ASAP to assure quality. By rule, samples must be collected within seven (7) days of the deer being killed or discovered dead, by one of the following:
A certified veterinarian who must submit the sample to an approved laboratory within ten (10) calendar days.
A DATCP-qualified CWD test collector who must submit the sample to a veterinarian within nine (9) business days. The veterinarian must submit the sample to an approved lab within ten (10) calendar days.
CWD testing of farm-raised deer is required regardless of whether or not the herd is enrolled in the CWD Herd Status Program, as follows:
Herds enrolled in the CWD Herd Status Program with less than 5 years of status must test the following deer that are at least 12 months of age:
100% that die or are killed, including escapes
100% that are shipped directly to a slaughtering establishment
Herds enrolled in the CWD Herd Status Program with at least five (5) years of status must test the following deer that are at least 12 months of age:
100% that die or are killed, including escapes
25% that are shipped directly to a slaughtering establishment
Herds not enrolled in the CWD Herd Status Program must test the following deer that are at least 16 months of age:
100% that die by accident, natural causes or escape
50% that are killed by hunt on a hunting ranch
50% that are killed intentionally
25% that are shipped directly to a slaughtering establishment