MADISON, Wis. -- A new study published this week in the journal, Science indicates the effort to contain chronic wasting disease just got more complicated.

The study suggests prions, or infectious protein structures, believed to cause CWD, have now been found in deer muscle tissue.

The finding has prompted the Department of Natural Resources, as well as prion experts, to question whether consumption of deer meat could transmit brain disease in humans.

Since the DNR discovered CWD in Wisconsin deer, the state advised hunters to avoid the deer's brain and spinal tissue.

The newest study now confirms an expert hypothesis.

"We have suspected that has been the case, but this has been a very definitive proof of that," said DNR's Steve Dewald.

But the study also opens up inevitable questions.

"What the issue is now is, does that mean humans are at risk?" said UW prion researcher Judd Aiken. "What does this add to that? And that question is still up in the air."

The DNR is still pushing for stricter bans on deer baiting and feeding.

"There are various reasons for the various proposals," said Dewald. "But the chronic wasting concern is that excessive amounts of bait draw deer into one concentrated area where they can pass the disease from one deer to the next."

But the debate is expected to wage on.

"Some hunters will say, 'I had venison last night and I'm fine,'" said Aiken. "Cooking venison is not going to do much to affect this infectious agent."

But researchers add there is no immediate danger.

"One of the concerns I have here is that people who have consumed (venison) are going to say, 'Whoa am I going to come down with a prison disease,'" said Aiken. "I think it's very unlikely. Having said that, I certainly don't advocate its consumption."

The DNR's letter to the state asks for a bill that would ban baiting and feeding in 46 counties starting 10 days before gun-deer hunting season, and lasting throughout the 9-day hunt.