The Missouri Department of Conservation is requiring hunters in select counties to bring their deer to mandatory sampling stations this weekend.

The testing helps track and control Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal illness that affects white-tailed deer and other species.

Officials say the disease spreads through contact with a misfolded protein.

Conservation officials, say the effort helps identify where CWD is found and guide management to slow its spread.

Sixty-six sampling stations will operate in 35 counties, including Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Howard, Miller, Osage, and Randolph counties. Stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days.