JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A fatal neurological disease that infects elk, deer and moose has been discovered closer to Yellowstone National Park than ever before.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says a buck whitetail deer killed Nov. 1 in a hunting area about 25 miles east of Yellowstone has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The hunting area comes within 10 miles of the park at its closest point. Yellowstone biologists did not respond to interview requests but the park's chief of wildlife P.J. White touched on the topic this summer.

During a July conference about another disease, White noted that chronic wasting disease might already be in the park even though it hasn't been detected. The disease is similar to mad cow disease and not known to be contractible by humans.

More From News Radio 1310 KLIX