 Minnesota conservation officials have expanded a ban on feeding deer after discovering multiple captive deer infected with chronic wastes and disease. The DNR's ban is for more than 10 central and north central Minnesota counties. North central Minnesota counties affected in the Lakeland viewing area are Aiken, Crowing, Morrison, the portion of Cass County south of Minnesota highways 34 and 200, and the portion of Malox County north of County Road 11. It will be effective until February 2019. The disease is a fatal brain illness that affects deer elk and moose. It's not known to impact human health. The department says it will conduct testing in the affected counties to determine if the disease has spread from captive deer to wild deer. A department spokesman says not feeding deer will help prevent the spread of the disease. Central Minnesota counties affected by the ban are Kandy Ojai, McLeod, Meeker, Stearns, and Wright, the portion of Renville County north of US Highway 212. And there's a similar ban for five southeastern Minnesota counties, which will be in effect until June 2018. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.