Meat Processor and Taxidermist Sampling Program

For Hunters

Hunters who are interested in having their harvested deer or elk sampled and tested for CWD at a participating meat processor or taxidermist can check the below map to see participating meat processors and taxidermist. Check this map frequently for the most up to date information.

You can bring the whole deer or just the head with 4-6 inches of neck of your harvest, each processor is different so make sure to check before you go. Remember, if you plan to have your harvest prepared for a shoulder mount, it should be caped out prior to any CWD samples being taken.

Find Your CWD Testing Results

For Meat Processors and Taxidermists

To expand CWD testing across the state, CDFW is seeking meat processors and taxidermist willing to collect samples or heads from deer and elk harvested in California. Meat processor, taxidermist, and hunters are important partners helping us meet our CWD surveillance goals and prevent the spread of CWD to California. Hunters, please read the "Hunters Using this Program" section below.

Options for Meat Processors and Taxidermists wanting to help with CWD surveillance program:

• Option 1: Directly extract CWD samples from customers' harvests. CDFW can provide training, materials, and shipping/sample pick-up free of charge. If the hunter wishes to have the skin preserved for a shoulder mount it should be caped out first.
• Option 2: Preserve heads from harvested deer or elk for CDFW to pick up and sample at a later date.
• Option 3: Invite CDFW to run a voluntary sampling station at your place of business during high-volume times of year.

For meat processors curious about how to best handle out of state deer, we have assembled a list of best practices to help keep your shop and other deer free from CWD contamination (printable guidelines (PDF)).

Best Practices for Processing Deer or Elk

A. Processing 

1. Separate and Label Carcasses 
   1. Label, store, and process hunter-harvested deer and elk separately from production animals being processed.  
   2. Hang on separate rails or encase in a protective covering that prevents contact between parts or meats.  
   3. Process animals harvested out-of-state separately. 
2. Process Animals Individually 
   1. Process all deer and elk individually at the end of the day. Avoid commingling meat and cross-contamination between carcasses.  
3. Clean and Change Equipment Between Animals 
   1. Clean equipment of organic material and either sanitize instruments between animals or use new or disposable instruments.  
   2. Wear gloves, protective washable aprons, and rubber boots. 
4. Avoid High Risk Parts 
   1. Avoid cutting into high-risk parts, particularly the spinal cord and brain. 
5. Coordinate Disposal with CDFW 
   1. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Health Lab at (916) 358-2790 or your local CDFW Office about disposal procedures if brain, spinal column, or other non-permitted parts are present on out-of-state harvests (see California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 712).  
6. Dispose of Waste Properly 
   1. All scraps or waste materials not packaged for the hunter should be held in double-lined plastic bags and either incinerated and/or disposed of at a landfill that accepts animal carcasses or parts (map).
   2. Do not render parts, waste, or scraps from harvested deer and elk. 

B. Clean And Sanitize Equipment After Processing  

1. Remove Organic Material First 
   1. With soap and water, clean all tools and surfaces, including tables, saws, knives, aprons, boots, rubber gloves, floor and other contaminated surfaces, to remove organic material. 
2. Disinfect Using Bleach 
   1. Using a 40% household bleach solution (combine 2 parts household bleach with 3 parts water), wet or soak stainless steel tools, surfaces and equipment for a minimum of 5 minutes.  
   2. For other surfaces, tools, and equipment, 60 minutes of contact time is recommended.  
   3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, when handling bleach and do not let bleach mix with ammonia-based solutions or products.   
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation 
   1. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. Avoid leather clothing and use covers to prevent bleaching of cloth.  
   2. Dispose of any contaminated, non-cleanable or disposable items in the same double bags as animal waste/parts destined for the landfill. 
4.  Use Disposable Tools When Possible 
   1. Whenever possible use disposable tools and disinfect in the same manner prior to appropriate disposal (sharps, incineration, or landfill). 
5. Sanitize Before and After Use 
   1. Allow the facility, equipment, and small tools to dry before use.  
6. Re-inspect Before Reuse 
   1. Re-inspect facility, equipment, and tools before use; repeat process if needed. 

Contact

Contact Us and CDFW will work with you on the option that best works for you.