Chronic wasting disease in wildlife is on the rise in some areas of the province.

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Ministry of Environment are encouraging all hunters to have their game tested for Chronic Wasting Disease this season.

Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director for the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, said the prevalence of the fatal disease varies from area to area.

"In some areas, we don't have chronic wasting disease, that we know of now. Some areas, the prevalence is around 40 percent which is fairly high, certainly around the Swift Current, Sask Landing areas the prevalence is quite high there, as an example."

"We are encouraging all hunters to get their heads tested this year, anywhere in Saskatchewan they harvest an animal."

CWD was inadvertently introduced into Saskatchewan by farmed deer populations nearly three decades ago. The disease is related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as "mad cow disease" and kills those animals infected with it by creating holes in the creatures' brains. It develops very slowly and can take years before any symptoms show up, but is nevertheless ultimately fatal.

"Saskatchewan Ministry of Health recommends that hunters not eat CWD contaminated animal that has been classified as positive." says Crabbe, "Bearing that in mind, we try to suggest to people that that's probably not a good practice, and to certainly get your heads tested, and make sure that the venison you're eating is disease-free."

Its recommended that hunters avoid the use of mineral licks, which congregate the animals, thereby increasing the spread of the infection. Also, avoid transporting carcasses over long distances, and always pack the carcasses sealed in heavy plastic.

"Chronic wasting disease actually are soil born items. They can actually drop into the soil, which they usually do through feces or urine, and they can actually be brought up in through the photosynthesis activity into a plant, and then it's a very difficult disease to try to control."