Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Arkansas Elk

An elk harvested near Pruitt on the Buffalo National River during the October 2015 hunting season tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

This is the first time an animal in Arkansas has tested positive for the disease, which is fatal to elk and white-tailed deer. According to the AGFC's CWD response plan, created in 2006, samples from elk and deer in the area will be taken to determine the prevalence of the disease and a future course of action.

A multi-county CWD management zone will be established, and public meetings in the area will be scheduled to discuss plans and answer questions.

AGFC


This will likely be the end of the elk in the Buffalo Refuge, and elk being introduced in the Ouachita National Forest.

It will be interesting to see how many deer that they will soon harvest, will test positive for CWD.