CWD Sampling Kit contains a specimen bag, data card, and two sample bags. If a sampling kit is not available two resealable plastic freezer bags and a piece of paper or 3x5 card may be used. Please contact
cwd@wildlife.ca.gov to request sample bags.
- Fill out data card.
- Record hunter’s first and last name, GOID, document # from the deer or elk tag (D- 0000000000-0), date, and location of the harvest (hunt zone at a minimum, GPS coordinates preferred).
- Record the name of the person extracting the lymph node.
- Place the data card in the outer pocket of the specimen bag or attached to the ear if submitting the head.
- If you do not have a sampling kit, a piece of paper or 3x5 card can be used to record the above information.
- We will not test samples that cannot be traced back to a specific location or a hunter.
- Collect both Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodes (RPLN) – For a trained individual this process can take less than a minute. If you wish to preserve the hide, cape out or skin the animal first.
- Lymph nodes are located at the base of the skull between the windpipe and the spine. With the deer laid on it's back, head and neck extended, make a cut just behind the jaw through the trachea and esophagus.
- The paired RPLNs should be located at the 5 and 7 o’clock position relative to the windpipe and are firm, oval to kidney shaped, tan to red tissues between the size of a dime and a quarter.
- Place each harvested RPLNs in separate sample bags provided.
- Place the two sample bags in the resealable compartment of the larger specimen bag.
- Samples can be frozen until submission to CDFW.
- If without a sample kit, place both in a single resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal that bag and place it within a second resealable plastic freezer bag along with the paper or 3x5 card containing the requested information.
- Videos of how to sample for RPLNs can be found online, below are links to the Wyoming Game and Fish and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife videos
- Head collection for later sampling
- If you are unable to collect the lymph nodes, CDFW asks that you remove the head along with the topmost portion of the neck and attach a data card to the head with tape or zip tie. The head can then be frozen until it can be collected by CDFW.
- Sample Submission
- Please reach out to your local CDFW contact to arrange pick up of samples.
- RPLN samples can also be shipped directly to CDFW. If you reach out to one of the contacts below, they can arrange for a freezer shipping box and label to be sent to your location.
- For additional information please contact us at cwd@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 358-2930.
Ship Samples to this address:
CWD Surveillance Program
Wildlife Health Lab
CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
1701 Nimbus Rd. Suite D
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 358-2790