Still No Chronic Wasting In Minn. Deer Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The state's search for additional evidence of chronic wasting disease continues to come up empty.

None of the 665 adult deer tested for CWD in southeastern Minnesota tested positive for the disease.

Testing is scheduled to end April 1, and DNR big-game coordinator Lou Cornicelli (korn-ih-SEHL'-ee) said the state is unlikely to reach its original goal of testing 900 deer.

The DNR will continue its CWD surveillance into the fall using hunter-harvested deer samples.

The DNR began the tests after a deer infected with CWD was found near Pine Island last fall. The disease is fatal for deer, elk and moose, but there is no evidence it spreads to humans.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)