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!
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.
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.
| Lab State | Cost | Test Available | Laboratory Location and Phone Number |
| Alabama | $45.00 | ELISA | Thompson-Bishop-Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory 890 Simms Road, Auburn, AL 36832. Phone: 334-844-4987 |
| Colorado | $30.00 | ELISA, IHC | Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 300 West Drake Road, Building C Fort Collins, CO 80523. Phone 970-297-1281 |
| Florida | $25.00 (paid by state) | IHC | Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Florida Department of Ag & Consumer Services 2700 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34741. Phone: 321-697-1400 |
| Iowa | $25.00 | ELISA | Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 1800 Christiensen Dr, Ames, IA 50011. Phone: 515-292-1950 |
| Kansas | $29.50 | IHC | Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Kansas State University, CVM L232 Mosier Hall, 1800 Dennison Ave Manhattan, KS 66506. Phone: 785-532-5650 |
| Louisiana | $52.50 (paid by state) | IHC | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries & Louisiana State University Call for locations. Phone: 800-256-2749 |
| Michigan | $30 -70 depending on sample | ELISA, IHC | MDNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory & the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910. Phone: 517-336-5030 |
| Minnesota | $35 -93 depending on sample | IHC | University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 1333 Gortner Ave, 244 Vet D L St. Paul, MN 55108. Phone: 612-625-8787 |
| Montana | $20.00 | ELISA | Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Marsh Laboratory 1911 W. Lincoln St, Bozeman, MT 59771. Phone: 406-994-4885 |
| Nebraska | $57.50 | ELISA, IHC | University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center 4040 East Campus Loop North Lincoln, NE 68583. Phone: 402-472-1434 |
| Ohio | $35 -91 depending on sample | ELISA, IHC | Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Ohio Department of Agriculture 8995 East Main St., Bldg. # 6 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Phone: 614-728-6220 |
| Pennsylvania | $80.00 | ELISA, IHC | Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture 2305 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Phone: 717-787-8808 University of Pennsylvania, School of Vet Med, New Bolton Center, PADLS 382 West Street Rd Kennett Square, PA 19348. Phone: 610-444-5800 |
| South Dakota | $27.00 (paid by state) | ELISA | South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory Box 2175, N. Campus Dr., Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: 605-688-5171 |
| Texas | $28 -51 depending on sample | ELISA, IHC | Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory 483 Agronomy Road College Station, TX 77843. Phone: 979-845-3414 |
| Utah | $42.00 | ELISA | Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab 950 East 1400 North, Logan, UT 84341. Phone: 435-797-1895 |
| Virginia | $35.00 | ELISA, IHC | Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) Diagnostic Laboratories Harrisonburg Laboratory, 261 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA Phone: 540-209-9130 Warrenton Laboratory, 272 Academy Hill Road, Warrenton, VA Phone: 540-316-6543 |
| Washington | $28 -65 depending on sample | ELISA, IHC | Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory 1940 SE Olympia Ave Pullman, WA 99164. Phone: 509-335-9696 |
| Wisconsin | $23.-75 depending on sample | ELISA, IHC | Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory University of Wisconsin-Madison 445 Easterday Lane Madison, WI 53706. Phone: 608-262-5432 ext. 2227 |
| Wyoming | $40.00 | IHC | Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY 82070. Phone: (307) 766-9925 |
| Wyoming | $0.00 (in-state harvests only) | ELISA | Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY 82070. Phone: 307-745-5865 |
Please contact the laboratory before submitting samples