ST. PAUL — A federal laboratory has confirmed that a white-tailed deer killed near the southeastern Minnesota town of Pine Island has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says Wednesday that the confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory was expected.

The DNR announced last Friday that a deer shot by an archer in November likely had the fatal brain disease that affects deer, elk and moose. There is no evidence CWD can spread to humans, or cattle, but experts recommend against eating meat from infected animals.

The DNR is responding to the issue, and will share its plans at a public meeting in February.

Officials have said they hope a fast response can keep the disease from spreading through the state’s deer herd.