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 participator 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 of your harvest. 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. Label, store and process hunter harvested deer and elk separately from production animals being processed. Hang on separate rails or encase in protective covering that prevents contact between parts or meats
2. Process animals harvested out-of-state separately.
3. Process all deer and elk individually at the end of the day. Avoid commingling meat and cross contamination between carcasses.
   • Clean equipment of organic material and either sanitize instruments between animals or use new or disposable instruments.
   • Wear gloves, protective washable aprons, and rubber boots
   • Avoid cutting into high-risk parts, particularly the spinal cord and brain.
4. 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).
5. 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 (www.CalRecycle.ca.gov). Do not render parts, wastes, or scraps from harvested deer and elk.

B. Clean And Sanitize Equipment After Processing

1. Scrape, clean and remove all organic materials from tables, saws, knives, aprons, boots, rubber gloves, floor and other contaminated surfaces using a detergent with activity against prions such as Tergazyme™.
2. Disinfect tools and equipment using 2% bleach and a minimum of 10 minutes contact time. This will not work if organic material remains.
3. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. Avoid leather clothing and use covers to prevent bleaching of cloth. Dispose of any contaminated, non-cleanable or disposable items in the same double bags as animal waste/parts destined for the landfill.
4. Whenever possible use disposable tools and disinfect in the same manner prior to appropriate disposal (sharps, incineration, or landfill).
5. Allow the facility, equipment and small tools to dry before use.
6. Re-inspect facility, equipment and tools before use; repeat process if needed.

Refer to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency’s CWD Best Management Practices technical report, Chapter 15 – Recommended Decontamination and Disinfection Methods for Equipment(PDF), for additional recommendations.

Contact

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