Quick Answer
CWD Testing Kits are worth the investment for hunters who harvest deer in areas where the disease is present, as the cost of testing can be offset by the potential revenue loss from CWD-infected deer and the importance of maintaining a healthy deer population.
Understanding the Risks of CWD
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, and moose. It’s caused by a misfolded protein, known as a prion, which can be transmitted through contact with infected animals’ saliva, urine, or feces. The disease can be present in herds for years before it’s detected, making proactive testing a crucial step in managing the risk.
Choosing the Right Testing Kit
When selecting a CWD testing kit, look for one that uses a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay, which is the most sensitive and specific method available. This technique can detect CWD in brain tissue samples as early as 6-12 months after infection. Some popular testing kits include the IDEXX HerdCheck CWD test and the Bio-Rad CWD ELISA test.
Best Practices for Testing and Handling Samples
To ensure accurate results, follow proper handling and sampling procedures when collecting tissue samples from deer. Aim for the brainstem, and use a sterile knife to remove a 1-inch section of the spinal cord. Place the sample in a secure container with a desiccant packet to maintain a stable environment. Label and store the sample in a designated area until it can be shipped to a testing laboratory for analysis. Consider investing in a portable sampling kit, which can include gloves, a knife, and a sampling container, to make the process more efficient and reliable.
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