Page 18 - MDWFP CWD Response Plan
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Sampling Priority
CWD samples should include both the obex and the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes
(MRLN) when possible.
Not every deer is equal in the probability of detecting CWD. Deer exhibiting clinical
symptoms and road kills receive high priority. When presented with a high volume of deer,
the following priorities should be applied.
1. Sample older-aged animals
o Older aged animals are more likely to contract CWD, and the longer an
animal has the disease, the more likely it is to be detected upon testing.
o The minimum age of an animal to be tested is 1.5 years of age, while 2.5 and
older is the priority.
2. Sampling males over females
o Bucks have a higher probability of testing positive, likely because of their
behaviors.
Permission to Collect Samples
Landowner permission and signature are required for MDWFP personnel to collect CWD
samples on private property. See “Permit and Right of Entry for CWD Sampling” form at
the end of the appendix.
Sample Information Collection
Obtaining accurate location and provider’s contact information for each and every sample is
critical. The MDWFP will use Collector for ArcGIS to record all data for each sample
collected. This app can be installed on android and iOS tablets and smart phones. All CWD
sample information (e.g., Collector, date, location) can be entered on the app. Please refer to
CollectorInstructionsV1.4.pdf.
Sample Numbering
Every sample collected must be numbered with the number found on the top right hand
corner of the Biological Sample Tag (Figure 3). This number will be used to track the sample
through testing and identify the results back to the pertinent data collected. When dealing
with a hunter-harvested animal, the receipt should be given to the hunter. The hunter will
then be able to use the receipt number, log into the provided website, and find the appropriate
test result.
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