Alabama's CWD Sampling Program

Hunters throughout the state are encouraged to submit harvested deer for testing at check stations, freezer drop-off locations, or WFF offices. In all cases, the hunter will receive test results within three to four weeks.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is increasing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling surveillance efforts in northwest Alabama due to the positive detection of CWD.

Hunters are required to submit heads for CWD testing from all deer harvested within the High-Risk Zone (HRZ) in Lauderdale County at drop-off freezer locations or at scheduled ADCNR mobile sampling stations. Hunters who harvest deer within the Buffer Zone are highly encouraged to submit heads for sampling at drop-off freezer locations anywhere within the CWD Management Zone (CMZ).

The test used to determine the presence of CWD requires a portion of the deer’s lymph nodes. ADCNR is asking hunters to submit heads of harvested deer for testing at mobile sampling stations, freezer drop-off locations, or Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) offices. Test results will be available within three to four weeks.