Pratt ? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism says chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in seven deer in the state.

The agency also said there are two other presumptive positive samples that require more testing. The number is down slightly from the 10 found with the disease last year.

Since testing began in 1996, Kansas has had 49 confirmed cases of deer with chronic wasting disease. The disease was first detected in Cheyenne County in 1955.

The fatal disease causes holes in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance. The agency says there’s no evidence that the disease in deer poses a risk to people or livestock.