Deer Found With Chronic Wasting Disease in Southern Arkansas

A white-tailed deer in Southern Arkansas has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. It was discovered last week in Union County close to the Louisiana border.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported on December 2, 2021:

This is the first case of CWD in Union County. It is unknown where the source of this infection occurred, as it is more than 70 miles from the nearest previous positive case (Issaquena County, Mississippi) and more than 200 miles from the nearest known positive case of CWD in Arkansas.

 

This case is so far away from previous cases that they will start testing more deer in the area to see how infected the area might be.

The hunter of the deer that tested positive has been notified and has been advised on how to dispose of the infected deer meat.

Will There be Any Changes to the 2021-2022 Deer Season?

The AGFC stated in the report that as of now they won't be changing any hunting regulations to the 2021-2022 dear season but will re-evaluate the Chronic Wasting Disease zone area at the end of the season to see if it needs to be changed.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, caribou and moose. The CDC says that there are no known human cases but they recommend not eating the meat of an infected deer.

According to the AGFC:

Infected animals begin to lose weight, lose their appetite and develop an insatiable thirst. They may separate from their herds, walk in repetitive patterns, carry their head low, salivate, urinate frequently and grind their teeth.

If you are a hunter and would like your deer tested you can get more information here.