August 2, 2021

Hunting season is approaching and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center is accepting hunter-harvested submissions for CWD testing for $66 per sample (deer head).  Only NYS-harvested submissions are accepted at the AHDC, so if you harvested outside of NYS, please email us and we can help find the right lab for your submission!

Cornell University CVM AHDC CWD Test Submission Instructions

CWD Testing Sample Submission Instructions, video by Benjamin Jakobek

What do I submit?

We need the deer head for testing. Remove the head at the first vertebrae behind the skull. If you harvest a buck, cut off the antlers at the base or the skull plate with a saw before submitting. You will not be able to get the antlers back if you submit them to the lab.

When should I submit the deer head?

Submit the head as soon as possible after harvesting the deer. Do not freeze. Do not wait until the deer hangs for several days to submit.

Warning: Graphic Content. To view, click and hold on the image.

How do I package the head?

Follow the detailed shipping instructions provided to ensure that you are complying with federal regulations. The head must be contained in three leak-proof bags with ice packs and absorbent material so assemble these items before you begin handling the head.

Where can I drop the head off?

You can drop the head off at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, 240 Farrier Rd., Ithaca, NY 14853 during regular business hours. Bring the packaged head to the Receiving window in the main lobby.

How do I ship the head in?

Follow the shipping instructions. Because the head will likely weigh more than 5 lbs., you must use UPS for shipping.

When will I get results?

Expect results about 10-14 business days. Results will be either be mailed or someone will call you with results. Please make sure that your information on the submission form is legible.

Can I eat the venison if it’s negative?

The CWD test is not considered a food safety test. The result will be positive, non-detect, or not able to be tested. The CDC recommends no one knowingly consume a CWD-positive deer. CWD has not been detected in NYS since 2005 so it is unlikely that you will have a positive result. If the head is not kept cool or a long period passes before being submitted for testing, the samples may be unsuitable and the test will not be able to be completed.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing process

This video illustrates the CWD Testing Process

CWD testing labs for harvests outside NYS

Lab State Cost Test Available Laboratory Location and Phone Number
Ohio $30.00 IHC Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Ohio Department of Agriculture 
8995 East Main St., Bldg. # 6 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-3342 Phone: 614-728-6220
Pennsylvania $27.00 IHC University of Pennsylvania, School of Vet Med, New Bolton Center, PADLS
382 West Street Rd Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348-1692 Phone: 610-444-5800
Minnesota $35-$80,
depending on sample
IHC University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory   
1333 Gortner Ave, 244 Vet D L St. Paul, Minnesota 55108-1098 Phone: 612-625-8787
Wisconsin $62.40 ELISA, IHC Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory University of Wisconsin-Madison
445 Easterday Lane Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1253 Phone: 608-262-5432 ext. 2227
Nebraska $50.00 ELISA, IHC University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center
4040 East Campus Loop North Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0907 Phone: 402-472-1434
Kansas $28.00 IHC Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Kansas State University, CVM L232 Mosier Hall,
1800 Dennison Ave Manhattan, Kansas 66506-5611 Phone: 785-532-5650
Colorado $25.00 ELISA, IHC Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
300 West Drake Road, Building C Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1644 Phone 970-297-1281
Florida $25.00
(paid by state) 
IHC Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services
2700 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee, Florida 34741-1266 Phone: 321-697-1400
Texas $45.00 ELISA, IHC Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
483 Agronomy Road College Station, Texas 77843-4471 Phone: 979-845-3414
New Mexico $35.00 IHC New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services
1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102-4519 Phone: 505-383-9299

**Please contact the laboratory before submitting samples

Interested in learning how to submit samples from deer harvested in New York State?

For detailed sample submission instructions and required forms for submitting samples from deer harvested in New York State, please enter your name and email address into the form below. After submitting your contact information, you will receive an email from cwhl@cornell.edu with the details. Your contact information will only be used for providing materials related to the CWD Hunter Harvest Program.

For deer harvested outside New York State, please see the table above for the correct diagnostic laboratory for sample submission. Thank you.