Arkansas Expands Chronic Wasting Disease Zone, Schedules Open House Workshops
The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission recently announced an expansion of the chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zone. This expansion includes the addition of Craighead County to the zone, which was prompted by the discovery of a CWD-positive case within that county.
To engage the public and provide information about the updated management zone and regulations, the Commission has scheduled open house workshops. These workshops will take place in Heber Springs, allowing attendees to receive updates on the regulations and interact with Commission officials.
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious and fatal neurological disorder affecting members of the deer and elk family. It spreads through direct contact between infected and healthy animals or contaminated environments.
The Commission continues its surveillance activities to monitor the spread of CWD and has implemented various measures to manage its impact. This includes free CWD testing options through designated drop-off containers, AGFC Regional Offices, and participating taxidermists.
In the CWD Management Zone, specific regulations are in place to limit the movement of potentially infected animals and their parts. For example, it is illegal to possess deer or elk harvested in Tier 1 of the zone within Tier 2, except for certain low-risk materials.
Visiting the Open House workshops will provide critical updates and insights into the management efforts and regulations in place to mitigate the spread of CWD in Arkansas.
