The Saskatchewan ministry of the Environment is targeting six wildlife zones for chronic wasting disease testing this fall.

Hunters for deer, moose or elk in wildlife zones 2w,9,10,35,37 or 50 are encouraged to submit samples for chronic wasting disease testing.

These zones, the boreal transition zones and those along the eastern border are specifically targeted for testing this year as there is a risk of the disease expanding in these areas.

In recent years, the disease has been found in white-tailed deer in the southern boreal forest region and could spread to other species, including caribou.

The testing will provide important information to monitor the spread of CWD and the overall welfare of Saskatchewan’s cervid populations.

Testing is free and available in all zones.

Heads can be submitted for testing at designated drop-off locations across the province during the hunting season.

Although there is no documented cases of CWD in humans, hunters are advised not to eat the meat from animals testing positive, but dispose of it in a landfill or other means.