Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance and Testing

NO POSITIVES for head submissions up to January 29, 2021.

If you submitted your samples on or before January 29, 2021 and cannot find your ear card number on the test results page, please contact Cait Nelson 250-751-3219 or the Wildlife Health Program Lab 250-751-7246

B.C. CWD Test Results

How to submit a head for CWD testing

Target areas for surveillance are based on risk and continue to focus on regions adjacent to jurisdictions with positive cases (Alberta and Montana) as well as suspect cases (animals showing signs of CWD). The B.C. CWD Program will accept heads from any cervid species collected from anywhere in the province.

Hunting licence condition: Mandatory submission for CWD testing is required for white-tailed & mule deer harvested in MUs 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 & 4-23 within one week of harvest.

Submitted heads must meet the following conditions:

  • The head must be removed from the body, with at least three inches of neck still attached. Three inches of neck helps preserve the tissues required for testing that are at the back of the throat.
  • Antlers must be removed. As freezer space is limited, antlers can be removed from the head either by cutting at the base of the antler or removing both antlers with the skull plate. The hide may also be removed.
  • The head can be fresh or frozen but must be in good condition, preferably not shot in the head and not rotten.
  • 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 with the harvest location (management unit or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate) and hunter contact information.
  • Ear cards must be 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.
  • For ‘European’ style mounts:
    • Carefully remove the top of the head leaving the lower jaw and tissues of the back of the throat.
    • Ear cards must be attached with a zap-strap (provided) to the lower jaw.
    • 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.

Drop-off locations

Heads can be dropped off at any of the locations listed below. In addition, heads can also be dropped off at any B.C. Wildlife or Conservation Officer Service office during business hours.

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Kootenay Region

 

Peace Region

 

Thank-you to the B.C. Wildlife Federation for the generous purchase and donation of ten freezers towards this initiative.