ST. PAUL — Minnesota conservation officials have expanded a ban on feeding deer after discovering multiple captive deer infected with chronic wasting disease.

The state Department of Natural Resources’ ban is for more than 10 central and north-central Minnesota counties, Minnesota Public Radio reported . It will be in effect until February 2019.

“Feeding bans in central and north-central Minnesota are precautionary,” said Lou Cornicelli, the department’s wildlife research manager. “Wild deer in these areas are not known to have CWD. These feeding bans are a proactive step to keep CWD at bay.”

The department said there’s a similar ban for five southeastern Minnesota counties, which will be in effect until June 2018.