Michigan Department of Agriculture 2002 CWD Coordinator, Dr Rachel Cezar and USDA Field VMO, Dr Joe Odziana compiled the following original presentation. Updates are done on an ongoing basis by Michigan Department of Agriculture personnel. 

SUBMISSION PROTOCOL 

Include ALL cervidae over 16 months of age that are either culled for slaughter at premise site or any type of off-site processing facility. The program is utilizing a targeted, active, on-going surveillance to reach 25% of your culled stock but no more than (30,35,40) head. When considering culls to be tested INCLUDE the weak and/or thinnest animals in the herd when available.

Also ANY animals euthanized or found dead due to sickness or injury MUST be submitted for CWD testing. These will count toward the total required number of head for the targeted surveillance for your herd.

Submission Options
There are 3 options for collection of samples for CWD testing in cervids:

• The first method is to remove and submit the entire head(s) to the laboratory. Delivery is via the MDA courier service or if possible deliver the head(s) directly to the MSU diagnostic lab or the MDA/USDA  Atlanta Office.
  

• The second and PREFERRED option is removal of the brain stem through the foramen magnum (the opening where the spinal cord exits the skull).  Submit the brainstem along with the MRLN’s in 10% NB formalin supplied by MDA. Please use ground or air mail delivery service when submitting your samples by means other then courier or hand delivering to AHDL or MDA/USDA Atlanta Office.
  

• The third method is to remove the entire brain then separate out and submit the brainstem portion of the brain along with the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes (MRLN’s) in 10% Neutral Buffered (NB) formalin supplied by MDA. Please use ground or air mail delivery service when submitting your samples by  means other then courier or hand delivering to AHDL or MDA/USDA Atlanta Office.

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