AGFC Offers Chronic Wasting Disease Testing in Howard County

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering Chronic Wasting Disease testing across the state for the 2021-22 deer hunting season. In all, 105 testing locations are available throughout the state.

Howard County has 1 testing site available in Dierks at the Farmers Co-op located at 121 W 2nd Street. This drop off freezer is the most popular method for hunters to have their deer tested. In order to have your deer tested you are asked to bring the head of the deer with 4-6 inches of the neck attached and placed into the plastic bags provided. Cards are provided to put your contact information down.

The AGFC has said they don’t have the man-power to reach out to every single person that requests samples but rather only those testing positive for CWD. Last year 7,824 samples were collected with 95% of those being through voluntarily submitted samples from hunters. Testing takes approximately 2-3 weeks.