The U.S. Government and the State of Wisconsin have freed up several million dollars to try to find a cure for the brain disease infecting thousands of Wisconsin’s deer herds. If the efforts to halt the disease fail, the white tail deer population will steadily diminish, hurting several U.S. tanners who process the skins.

The chronic wasting disease is said to be related to the mad cow disease. Its discovery in 14 deer has cast uncertainty over deer hunting and the safety of eating venison

According to the World Health Organisation, there is no scientific evidence that the disease can infect humans. The WTO adds however that no part of the deer or elk with evidence of the disease should be eaten by people or other animals.

The University of Wisconsin in Madison will create the first laboratory to test for the disease. Wildlife officials will hunt deer for testing while the Department of Natural Resources will have the authority to regulate recreational feeding of deer.