WATERBURY — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging hunters not to use urine-based scents to attract deer because of concerns it could spread a fatal disease that infects deer and moose.

The department says the infectious agent of chronic wasting disease can be passed in urine.

The agent, called a prion, can remain in soils for many years.

The state says some captive deer facilities that produce urine products for hunting have not complied with mandatory disease prevention and monitoring regulations.

Chronic wasting disease is always fatal and is impossible to eradicate once it has been fully established in an area.

No cases have been found in Vermont.