Tips for Meat Processors Handling Deer Carcasses Tested for CWD
Deer across Minnesota, and other States, may be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as a part of surveillance programs. Hunters and meat processors can take the following important steps to help ensure their deer are handled safely and that any concerns regarding the wholesomeness or safety of their meat is properly addressed.
- Follow all Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer movement, import and testing requirements.
- Dispose of any meat that is not wholesome or safe.
- Review and document the MDNR number (top section of their DNR Site Tag) for all incoming deer.
- Know the testing status, including whether results are available for deer dropped off for processing!
Ask for CWD Test Results and Respond!
When hunters drop off their deer carcasses (or trim) at your establishment, ask the hunter if the carcass has been sampled/tested for CWD. Then, ask if they have the CWD results!
If the hunter tested the carcass but does not have the results, choose one of these options:
- Hold carcass or venison trim until results are available; OR
- Debone the carcass at the end of the production day; separate and hold trim until results are available; OR
- Break carcass into primals and store until results are available.
The processor will also need to:
- Process tested deer separate from other deer to ensure there is no cross contamination between carcasses. This would include cleaning and sanitizing equipment between deer.
- Establish communication with the hunter to obtain test results and discuss whether the hunter still wants the carcass or trim if it is positive for CWD.
- Monitor the CWD test results page for results: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/cwd/testing.html
Processors should use best practices for addressing CWD if they are handling carcasses with an unknown (or positive) test result. MDA recommends proper cleaning and sanitizing at the end of the production day or between handling deer carcasses with pending CWD results. Using a proper sanitizer at the correct concentrations can be an effective way to reduce the risk of CWD cross contamination. Options for sanitation can be found here: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/MNPRO%20Surface%20Decontamination%201-Page.pdf
Processors should also avoid batching for ground product or cooking/smoking unless the entire batch contains negative CWD test results for trim or carcasses.
If results are positive for CWD:
- Verify that the hunter still wants the carcass and/or trim.
- Dispose of the carcass (or trim) properly if the hunter elects not to keep the meat. Carcasses need to be disposed of per the DNR disposal requirement https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/cwd/management-zone.html
- Process the deer separately from all others if the hunter elects to continue with processing. Pay strict attention to cleaning and sanitation guidelines for addressing CWD contamination to avoid cross contamination and DO NOT batch process with other carcasses or trim.
If the hunter has tested the carcass and has negative (“not detected”) CWD results:
Process the carcass or trim as normal.
CWD testing requirements are very specific for certain hunting zones and harvest dates.
- Many zones only required testing during the first two days of the season, even in DNR CWD Management or Surveillance Zones. Requirements vary across the state, so if you have questions, please consult with the DNR testing resources.
- You are allowed to accept and process non-tested deer carcasses. It is also within your purview to put restrictions on what you accept, based on your own standards and processes. Please communicate with hunters if you set your own standards for accepting carcasses.
- It is the responsibility of the hunter to ensure they understand the CWD testing requirements. If you or the hunter have further questions on the requirements for CWD sampling, please review the information below.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/cwd/management-zone.html
Contact the MN DNR Wildlife Area Contacts https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/wildlife/wildlife_managers.pdf?20210406
Additional CWD resources can be found on the MN DNR website: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/research/health/disease/cwd/cwd_brochure.pdf
