CWD samples should be collected ASAP to assure quality. By rule, samples must be collected within 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 within 10 calendar days.
A DATCP-qualified CWD test collector who must submit the sample to a veterinarian within 9 business days. The veterinarian must submit the sample to an approved lab within 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 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