Chronic wasting disease cases in state climb to 56

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said more cases of chronic wasting disease have been confirmed in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said more cases of chronic wasting disease have been confirmed in Arkansas.

Six more deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, bringing the total number of cases in Arkansas to 56, officials from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said Friday.

All infected deer came from a sampling area in Newton County. The final results of the sampling effort should be available late next week once the last batch of 110 samples has been processed, according to the commission.

Officials said the high number of positive results, some of which came from outside the sampling area, has prompted a second sampling initiative to see if the disease is present throughout the state.

The second phase of testing will continue until May 20, and anyone who sees a dead or sick deer is asked to contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

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