CWD Test Results

CWD Home

Hunters were asked to assist Nebraska Game and Parks Commission efforts to monitor and control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Nebraska during this fall's deer hunting seasons by volunteering their deer heads for testing, and using the unlimited, free antlerless-only bonus tags offered in CWD control areas.

To address the spread of CWD in the wild population and to protect the state's deer herds, the Commission has developed an expanded monitoring program for this fall. As a result, hunters at all Panhandle check stations will be asked to voluntarily submit the heads of deer they harvest for testing. In the rest of Nebraska, 100 heads in each deer management unit will be collected. Using the search tool above, hunters can find test results for the deer they have harvested.

The control units include the Pine Ridge Control Area in the northwest Panhandle and Season Choice Area 15 in portions of Kimball, Cheyenne and Deuel counties in the southern Panhandle. Hunters in the control units can receive unlimited, free antlerless-only bonus tags to help the Commission reduce deer populations to help reduce and eliminate CWD in the wild deer population. Hunters who do not participate in the monitoring program can have CWD testing performed by three participating veterinary laboratories at their own expense.

CWD affects the central nervous system of mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk in captive and wild populations. Research has found no evidence the disease can be transmitted to humans, livestock or other wildlife. Researchers also believe eating or handling meat from infected animals is safe.