St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says no additional deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease in southeastern Minnesota.

Last week, it was announced that two deer harvested in the Lanesboro area tested positive for the deadly brain disorder. Nearly 2900 deer were tested this year as part of the DNR’s ongoing CWD surveillance program. Officials say almost a third of all the deer harvested during the first firearms deer season in southeastern Minnesota were tested for CWD.

Prior to the discovery of the two infected deer in the Lanesboro area last month, Chronic Wasting Disease had only been found once before in a wild deer in Minnesota when a deer harvested near Pine Island in 2010 tested positive.

“This was an extensive surveillance effort,” said Dr. Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager for the DNR. “While we’re disappointed we found two positive deer, we remain optimistic the infection is localized and not widespread throughout the southeast.”

The DNR is now planning and implementing its CWD response plan, which includes continuing opportunities for hunters and permit areas 347 and 348 to have their harvested deer tested.

Hunters can get a simple form, complete it and place it – along with the head of a harvested deer – in boxes located at the:

  • Preston forestry office, 912 Houston St., Preston
  • Lanesboro fisheries office, 23785 Grosbeak Road., Lanesboro
  • Magnum Sports, 20 Main St. S., Chatfield
  • Oak Meadow Meats, 50 9th St., Harmony

Samples are submitted for testing weekly. Test results become available the following week. Hunters will only be notified if a deer tests positive for CWD.

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