This page lists the results of tests performed by the state of Delaware on harvested deer to check for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease. Delaware hunters who have submitted samples of harvested deer for testing can use the table below to check the status and results of their sample.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects the brain and nervous system in members of the family Cervidae, such as deer, sika, elk or moose. Delaware has confirmed its first case of CWD in a wild white-tailed deer.

How to Submit a Sample

Hunters may submit harvested deer heads for CWD testing at designated chest freezers located at any walk-in Delaware Hunters Against Hunger drop off locations.

Do not submit spoiled or heavily decomposed material.

Before submitting a sample:

• Record the sample tag number provided with your submission.
• Make sure all requested harvest information is complete.
• Submit the required portion of the deer according to the instructions provided at the collection location.
• Keep the sample tag number until results are posted.

Test Results

Results are posted for each sample after laboratory testing is complete. Test results will show as negative, positive or pending.

Negative: No CWD Detected

A “negative” result means that the laboratory did not detect evidence of CWD in the tissues tested.

A negative result applies only to the tissues collected from that individual deer. It does not mean that CWD is absent from the area where the deer was harvested.

Positive: CWD Detected

A “positive” result means that the laboratory detected evidence of CWD in the submitted deer.

Hunters receiving a positive result should not consume any meat from the animal. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will contact the hunter using the information provided with the sample and explain available disposal options and answer other questions.

Pending

A “pending” result means the submitted deer is still being tested.

Test Result Table

The table below lists registration IDs and tag numbers for each sample and shows the test results of all samples for which testing is complete or “pending” for those not yet complete. Those hunters who have submitted samples can use text search tools such as ctrl-F (Windows) or command-F (Apple) to search for the registration IDs or tag numbers provided when the deer was submitted.

Updated: Aug. 31, 2026

Related Topics:  chronic wasting disease, conservation, CWD, deer, dfw, fish and wildlife, hunting, testing, wildlife