PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is hoping new technology and testing procedures can help slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in the state.  Senior Big Game Biologist Bryon Buckley says last year officials reported 60 cases in multiple varieties of big game.

While the current testing is considered the gold standard for confirming C-W-D Buckley says a new test is giving similar results faster with R-T Quick testing.

Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling says slowing chronic wasting disease is a priority for the department.

The Department is working with the University of Minnesota on the testing.  A total of 722 cases of C-W-D have been observed in South Dakota since 2001.