Thousands of deer hunters helped the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) collect nearly 21,000 samples for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing in 31 counties during opening weekend of the firearms portion of the season November 10 and 11.
According to MDC, the increased number of samples gives MDC scientists a much better understanding of the distribution and prevalence of the disease — where it is and how many deer may have it. It can also help find new cases in new areas.
MDC also has collected nearly 800 tissue samples for CWD testing over the past several months through its ongoing statewide voluntary CWD sampling efforts and from road-killed and sick deer.
MDC sends test samples to an independent laboratory for testing and will report test results as they become available. Due to the volume of test samples submitted, test results will take up to four weeks from the time of submission. You can stay up to date on test results received by MDC at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.
Hunters who harvest deer anywhere in Missouri throughout the entire deer hunting season — through January 15, 2019 — can have their harvested deer voluntarily sampled for free at select MDC offices around the state and through participating taxidermists and meat processors located in the CWD Management Zone. You can find voluntary sampling locations and more information at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.