Chronic wasting disease detected in deer from Grant, Sevier counties

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission confirmed Tuesday that white-tailed deer from Grant and Sevier counties have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, marking the first known cases in either county.Two hunter-harvested bucks from Grant County tested positive through the AGFC’s free surveillance network. Initial tests were conducted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with confirmation by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison. The deer – a 2 1/2-year-old buck taken southwest of Sheridan and a 3 1/2-year-old buck harvested near Grapevine – were killed during the modern gun portion of the 2025-26 deer season.
A third case involved a 4 1/2-year-old buck harvested in Sevier County on the north side of De Queen Lake within the De Queen Lake Wildlife Management Area, about four miles from the Oklahoma border.

Officials said the source of the infections is unknown, noting the nearest previously confirmed case in Arkansas is more than 80 miles away. Prior to the discoveries, 470 samples had been submitted in Grant County and 403 in Sevier County without a positive result.

All hunters involved have been notified, and arrangements are being made to dispose of the meat, according to AGFC officials.

“We are stepping up surveillance efforts in these two counties and are asking for hunters’ help by submitting any harvested deer in these areas to one of our CWD testing locations,” said Cory Gray, chief of the AGFC Research Division. He said no regulation changes will be made before the season ends.

AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock said the agency will review whether to expand its CWD management zone after the season. He encouraged hunters to take advantage of free testing.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose and related species. First detected in Arkansas in 2016, the disease has since been confirmed in more than 2,200 deer and 60 elk statewide.

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