Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Deer from Grant and Sevier Counties
In a significant development for wildlife health, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) announced on Tuesday that white-tailed deer harvested in Grant and Sevier counties have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This alarming news not only raises concerns for local hunters but also highlights the ongoing challenges of managing wildlife diseases.
Two deer from Grant County were identified as CWD-positive by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, thanks to the AGFC’s proactive CWD surveillance network. Following initial tests, a more detailed analysis conducted last week by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison confirmed the presence of the disease.
Among the affected deer, one was a 2½-year-old buck hunted southwest of Sheridan, while the second, a 3½-year-old buck, was taken near Grapevine during the modern gun segment of the 2025-26 deer hunting season. Additionally, a hunter-killed 4½-year-old buck from Sevier County also tested positive. This particular deer was located on the north side of De Queen Lake within the De Queen Lake Wildlife Management Area, roughly four miles from the Oklahoma-Arkansas border.
These findings mark the first documented cases of CWD in both Grant and Sevier counties, with the origins of these infections still unknown. Notably, the nearest previously recorded case in Arkansas is over 80 miles distant. AJ Riggs, a wildlife health biologist at AGFC, revealed that prior to these positive results, 470 CWD samples had been collected in Grant County and 403 in Sevier County.
In response to these developments, Cory Gray, the chief of AGFC’s Research Division, reported that all hunters associated with the CWD-positive deer have been informed, and plans are underway to manage the disposal of the affected deer meat. "We are enhancing our surveillance efforts in these two counties and are asking hunters to assist by submitting any harvested deer to one of our designated CWD testing locations," Gray stated. He further noted that, in accordance with the AGFC’s CWD Management and Response Plan, there will be no changes to hunting regulations related to these discoveries until after the current deer hunting season concludes.
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock emphasized that the agency will assess whether an expansion of the CWD Management Zone and potential alterations to deer hunting regulations are necessary once the season wraps up. "The most effective way for hunters to contribute is to have their deer tested for CWD whenever they are fortunate enough to make a kill," Schoenrock advised. "This process is completely voluntary and free of charge. Simply bring the animal's head to one of our testing sites with about six inches of neck still attached, label and bag it according to our instructions, and place it in the cooler. It’s that straightforward. We are committed to reaching out to any hunter whose deer tests positive for the disease and will facilitate the disposal of the meat on their behalf."
For those interested in utilizing the CWD testing services, a comprehensive list of testing facilities can be found at www.agfc.com/hunting/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-testing-options.
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disorder that affects various species, including deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The disease was first identified in Arkansas on February 23, 2016. Since then, the AGFC has conducted tests on more than 68,293 deer and elk statewide, with 2,218 deer and 60 elk confirmed positive for CWD so far.
Research indicates that CWD is caused by misfolded proteins known as prions, which can be transmitted through feces, urine, and saliva. Remarkably resilient, prions can persist in soil and plant matter for several years. CWD has a lengthy incubation period, often exceeding 16 months, meaning infected animals might not display symptoms right away. As these prions accumulate in the body, they disrupt the nervous system, leading to severe health issues. Infected animals typically exhibit weight loss, decreased appetite, increased thirst, social withdrawal, repetitive movements, low head carriage, excessive salivation, frequent urination, and teeth grinding.
Studies conducted within Arkansas indicate that CWD can adversely affect white-tailed deer populations in areas where the disease is prevalent.
For further details on CWD and its impact, visit www.agfc.com/cwd.
But here's where it gets controversial: What do you think should be done about the spread of CWD in these counties? Are current measures sufficient, or must we consider more drastic actions? Share your thoughts below!
