The Saskatchewan ministry of the Environment says with hunting season winding down, hunters are reminded to get their animals tested for chronic wasting disease.

84 cases of chronic wasting disease have already been identified in the province this year.

The disease is a fatal, infectious central nervous system disease in deer, elk, moose and caribou with no known cure.

The information collected through head submission by hunters is vital to understanding the disease impact on wildlife populations in Saskatchewan.

So far, more than 13 hundred heads have been submitted by hunters.

Research suggests some areas of North America are seeing population decline in mule deer from chronic wasting disease.

The province recommends hunters avoid eating the meat until the test results are completed.

No human case of chronic wasting disease has ever been identified.

The last day to drop off animal heads for testing is January 21st, 2021.