A sister version of 'Mad Cow Disease' is approaching Manitoba's borders and has been affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou populations.

Manitoba Wildlife Federation Managing Director Brian Kotak said the disease was first documented in Colorado in the 1960's and then in Wyoming. He added the disease started to spread through the exporting of farmed game animals and eventually found its way into Canada, primarily Saskatchewan.

Kotak said as far as they know the CWD hasn't moved into Manitoba yet, but they're continuing to monitor the border as best they can.

"There's definitely the possibility that deer or elk being infected and wondering across the border and spreading it into Manitoba," said Kotak.

He said the spread of this disease originally started from captive animals and has since found its way into the wild populations.

At this point and time, Kotak said there haven't been any cases of the CWD being transferred to humans, but the risk isn't zero.

"There is a possibility that the prions or the proteins that cause CWD can actually be transferred to other mammals including primates," said Kotak.

He said research is being done at this time with Macaque monkeys, feeding them CWD infected deer meat. According to Kotak the results reveal the monkeys can contract the disease which is proving fatal.

Kotak said one of the major signs of the disease is the animal becomes emaciated. He added this is the latter half of the disease which doesn't allow the deer to feed anymore.

"It's a disease of the brain and spinal column," said Kotak.

Kotak would like to see people who are hunting in the areas that have been known to have, or could have the disease, to watch for signs of the disease. He also encourages people to wear gloves when you butcher it.

"There is a surveillance program that is mandatory for hunters to participate in. In Western Manitoba, especially closer to the Manitoba and Saskatchewan border," said Kotak. "Where any harvested deer or elk actually is mandatory that certain parts of those animals be submitted for testing for the disease."

A public forum will be held at the University of Manitoba on November 2 for anyone who would like to learn more about the CWD.