HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania wildlife officials say that chronic wasting disease has appeared in the state’s wild deer population.

The Game Commission confirmed Friday that three deer tested positive for the neurological illness that is fatal to deer, elk and moose.

The animals were killed in Blair and Bedford counties during hunting season last fall. They are the first wild deer to test positive since the state began monitoring for the illness in 1998.

Until now, chronic wasting disease had been identified only in captive deer in Pennsylvania. The first case was found on an Adams County farm in October.

The illness can be spread among animals through bodily fluids. There is no evidence it can be transmitted to humans.

The Game Commission plans to hold a news conference Monday.