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CWD testing

A DNR lab worker removes lymph nodes from a deer head for disease testing.

CWD testing

As a responsible hunter, you understand the importance of monitoring the health of the deer herd for diseases like CWD. Fortunately, options are available to hunters who want to test their deer. We are here to provide the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about CWD testing to keep our deer population healthy and sustainable.

Check my CWD test results

 

DNR focused head collection and testing

In 2025, the DNR is conducting focused collection for CWD testing in the following counties. CWD testing is free for deer harvested in these counties when submitted through DNR drop boxes and staffed sample submission sites. All heads tested for CWD are also screened for bovine tuberculosis. Results are posted to the DNR lab results webpage

  • Baraga
  • Chippewa
  • Dickinson
  • Houghton
  • Iosco
  • Keweenaw
  • Luce
  • Mackinac
  • Ogemaw
  • Ontonagon
  • Schoolcraft

Free self-sample shipping kit testing

Hunters in all other counties are eligible for free CWD testing by using a free lymph node shipping kit that includes overnight shipping. Hunters must extract lymph nodes themselves to submit to Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) for CWD testing. Kits can be picked up from the locations below. Results from deer submitted to MSU VDL will be sent directly to the hunter from the VDL and will not appear on the DNR lab results webpage.

Video player thumbnail for deer lymph node removal instructional video on Youtube.

Due to the risk of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), hunters should not extract lymph nodes from deer harvested in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, or Roscommon. Please submit heads from these deer to a DNR wildlife field office and request CWD testing in addition to bTB testing.

Hunters should call an office prior to arriving to ensure someone will be available to assist.

Other testing options

If you choose not to pick up a free kit, you can submit through one of the following participating USDA-approved diagnostic laboratories for a fee. Results will be emailed directly to the submitter from the selected Lab.

Results from deer submitted to an approved USDA laboratory using testing for a fee will be sent directly to the hunter from the laboratory.