Deer across Minnesota and other states may be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as a part of surveillance programs. Hunters and meat processors can take the following important steps to help ensure their deer are handled safely and that any concerns regarding the wholesomeness or safety of their meat is properly addressed.
- Follow all Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer movement, import, and testing requirements.
- Dispose of any meat that is not wholesome or safe.
- Review and document the MDNR number for all incoming deer.
- Know the testing status, including whether results are available, for deer dropped off for processing.
CWD Testing Requirements
It is a hunter's responsibility to ensure they understand CWD testing requirements. Many hunting zones only require testing during the first two days of the season, even in DNR CWD Management or Surveillance Zones. Requirements vary across the state, so if you have questions, consult with the DNR. Processors are allowed to accept and process non-tested deer carcasses. It is also within your purview to put restrictions on what you accept. Communicate with your clients about your standards for accepting carcasses.
Ask for CWD Test Results and Respond Appropriately
When hunters drop off their deer carcasses or trim at your establishment, ask the hunter if the carcass has been sampled/tested for CWD and if they have the results. If the results are not yet available, you can monitor the DNR site for CWD test results. Before processing, hold the carcass or venison trim until the results are available. Alternatively, you can debone the carcass at the end of the production day and separate and hold trim until results are available or break the carcass into primals to store until the results are available.
If results are negative (“not detected”) for CWD:
Process the carcass or trim as normal.
If results are positive for CWD:
- Verify whether the hunter still wants the carcass and/or trim.
- Dispose of the carcass (or trim) properly if the hunter elects not to keep the meat. Follow DNR disposal requirements.
- Process the deer separately from all others if the hunter elects to continue with processing. Pay strict attention to equipment cleaning and sanitation between deer for addressing CWD contamination to avoid cross contamination. Do not batch process with other carcasses or trim for ground product or cooking/smoking.
Additional Steps to Take
Use best practices for addressing CWD if you are handling carcasses with an unknown (or positive) test result. The MDA recommends proper cleaning and sanitizing at the end of the production day or between handling deer carcasses with pending CWD results. Using a proper sanitizer at the correct concentrations can be an effective way to reduce the risk of CWD cross contamination. The Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach describes options for sanitation (pdf).
