NPS - National Park Service

04/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 09:42

White-tailed Deer Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in Pea Ridge National Military Park

Date:
April 17, 2024
Contact:Shelley Todd, 479-451-8122

White-tailed Deer Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in Pea Ridge National Military Park

During recent white-tailed deer herd health sampling at Pea Ridge National Military Park, the National Park Service (NPS) received positive test results for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). One male deer tested positive, which is the first CWD-positive detection within the Military Park. However, CWD has been present in Arkansas since 2016 and in Benton County since 2018.One male deer tested positive, which is the first CWD-positive detection within the Military Park. However, CWD has been present in Arkansas since 2016 and in Benton County since 2018. In accordance with the park's Deer Management Plan, the Military Park will begin deer reduction operations in the fall. Pea Ridge National Military Park and others in the region reduce deer populations to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes, in addition to slowing wildlife disease transmission rates. There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans, pets, or livestock. However, it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be eaten. The venison from the deer that tested positive for CWD was destroyed.

Guidance to park visitors

  • If you see sick or dead wildlife, avoid contact with the animal and notify a National Park Service employee as soon as possible.
  • Most animals in parks are healthy and thrive in their natural environment, but sometimes wildlife can get sick just like people.
  • Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid touching or handling dead or sick wild animals. Some disease-causing organisms can be passed between wild animals and people.
  • National Park Service employees trained in wildlife health use specific protective measures to safely deal with a wild animal that may have died of disease.
  • It is recommended that people not eat any part of an animal that is suspected or confirmed to have CWD.

Venison donation

  • Whenever possible, the NPS donates all venison from its deer reduction operations to local food banks, consistent with NPS public health guidelines. All CWD positive meat is destroyed.
  • The NPS will continue to monitor collected deer for CWD and destroy venison testing positive for CWD, according to NPS guidelines.
About Pea Ridge National Military Park:The Battle of Pea Ridge was fought on March 7-8, 1862, by over 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River and was a major turning point, helping Union forces maintain physical and political control of the state of Missouri. Administered by the National Park Service, the 4,400-acre battlefield is located 10 miles north of Rogers, just off US Highway 62.

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