Surveillance of Bovine Tuberculosis (BTb)

Learn how to submit a deer, elk or moose head for BTb testing. The animal will also be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.

On this page:

• Drop-off locations
• Submit a head for testing

Drop-off locations

Heads can be dropped off at any B.C. Wildlife or Conservation Officer Service office during business hours. You may also drop-off heads to the following locations below: 

Thompson Region:

1. Benny The Butcher Custom Cutting
   2175 Running Horse Ranch Road
   Kamloops, B.C. V0E 2A0
   Phone: 250-819-0337
    
2. Conservation Officer Service
   3840 Airport Road
   Please call ahead: 250-378-8492
   Merritt B.C. V1K 1B8

Submit a head for testing

Detailed instructions for submission:

• The head must be removed from the body, with at least three inches of neck still attached to preserve the tissues at the back of the throat that are required for testing
• Antlers must be removed. If the animal is harvested in a restricted antler season, remove both antlers with the skull plate as one piece and keep them with the carcass. Also important to retain evidence of sex and species with the carcass when the head is removed
• The head can be fresh or frozen but must be in good condition, preferably not shot in the head and not rotten. The head can also be skinned out
• Animals must be over 1 year of age. Animals under 1 year will not be tested.
• An ear card (provided at freezer) must be completed and attached with a zap-strap (provided) to either the ear or the skull (if skinned)
• Heads must be placed in a garbage bag (provided) and the bag closed with a knot or zap-strap before being deposited in a freezer