News

Genome sequencing results of Bovine TB investigation released and program funding in question

The Michigan Department of Agriculture says Northern Michigan herds infected with bovine tuberculosis have been linked to infected deer herds in the area using genome sequencing.

Movement investigations recently found an animal in Emmet County positive for bovine TB which originated from an infected herd in Presque Isle County.  Whole herd investigations found the outbreak is linked to a type of bovine TB found in infected deer in Presque Isle County in 2014 and 2015.

State veterinarian Nora Wineland says because the Presque Isle County herd was recently assembled from herds no longer in business, it’s not possible to determine the specific time and location when deer made contact with cattle.

TB testing will continue for herds in Presque Isle, Cheboygan and Emmet counties and additional meetings are scheduled for producers in the region.

The DNR is encouraging hunters to get out this fall and report any animals that look suspicious, saying increased hunting helps fight the disease.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell recently told the Michigan Ag Commission the proposed budget cuts in the legislature for the bovine TB program are very concerning.  The Senate is proposing almost a 60 percent cut to the program.  If passed, Michigan’s TB status could be downgraded by the USDA if the state is unable to meet current testing requirements, potentially devastating the state’s cattle and dairy industries.