CWD Sample Collector Resources for Certified Collectors

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a serious brain and nervous system disease found in cervids. Proper tissue collection is crucial for accurate surveillance of captive herds in Illinois. Our resource page provides access to educational videos and guides for certified collectors trained by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and USDA category II accredited veterinarians.

CWD Online Portal

Are you curious about farmed cervids and CWD? Visit our new, FREE online courses – one for veterinarians and one for cervid producers - to learn more about CWD and farmed cervids, USDA’s role in controlling the spread of CWD, and details about participating in our state’s Herd Certification Program. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians can earn 3 credits of RACE-approved continuing education. Access these courses today at Introduction to Farmed Cervid CWD Programs.

Videos

• Iowa Farmed Cervid CWD Sampling: Obex and Medial Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodes 
• Ohio Chronic Wasting Disease Sample Collection

Guides

• USDA CWD Sample Collection Guidance
• Biosecurity Checklist for Collecting Samples from Farmed Cervids for CWD Testing
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Cervid Presentation at ILDFA Spring Event 2024 *password protected - email us to request the password at AGR.CWDGrant@Illinois.gov
• CWD Testing Exception for HD Events

Contact Us: Have questions regarding CWD tissue sampling or submission as a certified sampler or category II accredited veterinarian?  Feel free to reach out to our office via email (AGR.CWDGrant@Illinois.gov) or phone (217) 782-4944 for assistance and support.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this webpage is intended for educational purposes and should not substitute professional training or certification courses. Always adhere to federal and state regulations when sampling and submitting tissues for CWD testing.