Nationwide shortage causing testing delays for CWD

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces they’re experiencing significant testing delays for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

The TWRA says the delay is due to a nationwide shortage of test kits, and approximately 2,180 Tennessee CWD samples are currently backlogged.

According to the TWRA, diagnostic laboratories across the country are affected, including those TWRA partners with to conduct CWD testing.

Test manufacturer Bio-Rad Laboratories expects more test kits to become available in mid to late February. Before the shortage, TWRA says the testing turnaround time for hunter-harvested deer in Unit CWD was eight to 12 days.

“TWRA is in active communications with our partners to monitor the number of affected samples and to assist in any way possible,” said Wildlife and Forestry Chief Joe Benedict. “Samples will be held at the lab until they are able to be processed, and TWRA recommends hunters keep venison packaged separately in the freezer until test results have been returned.”

The TWRA confirms there have been no reported cases of CWD infections in humans, however the CDC advises individuals to not eat the meat from a CWD-positive animal.

Click here to learn more about CWD.

For more local news, click here.