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Cattlemen partner to eradicate bovine TB

Agriculture and sportsmen groups have partnered to reduce the risk of bovine tuberculosis in Michigan’s cattle herd

Michigan Cattlemen Association executive vice president George Quackenbush tells Brownfield two weekends in January were opened for an antlerless deer hunt as a means to improve the health of the deer herd within Michigan’s highest risk area for bovine TB.  “The density of deer in that area is so great that so that they are carrying that disease and spreading it between them.  When those deer feed on feed that’s intended for cattle, there’s the potential for the transmission of the disease.”

Quackenbush says their organization is stepping up efforts to eradicate bovine TB and find new ways to reduce outbreaks.  “It was a benefit to not only agriculture but also to the sportsmen who are looking for a better buck to doe ratio and also for the greater community.”  He says more than 2,200 acres were enrolled in the state’s Hunter Access program and sportsmen were able to donate venison to area food banks from the first set of hunts.

Quackenbush says cattle producers will receive an update on eradicating bovine TB from the state as part of their annual conference this weekend as well as learn more about the national beef quality assessment, immune health and becoming a beef advocate.

AUDIO: Interview with George Quackenbush