It's been a long time coming, but Wisconsin recently announced it will recognize Michigan's recent bovine Tuberculosis Split State Status achievement from USDA, which reopens market opportunities for Michigan's 17,000 cattle farmers.

Wisconsin Opens Borders To Michigan Cattle

"Our mandatory electronic identification is, and was, critical to Wisconsin's decision to amend their importation rules," says Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams.  "For the first time since we began our bovine TB eradication efforts, Wisconsin acknowledges the difference in zones. This translates into more market opportunities to sell Michigan beef and continues to grow the economic footprint for our food and agriculture system."

On August 1, the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection informed MDARD's State Veterinarian Dr. Steven L. Halstead of new importation rules acknowledging Michigan's split state status.  Wisconsin now recognizes two bovine TB Zones in the State of Michigan.

"This is an important step forward," says Dr. Halstead. "Michigan has worked very hard to preserve the value of its cattle herd and to protect trade partners from bovine TB.  This represents recognition of this hard work."

Bovine from the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) and the Modified Accredited Advanced Zone (MAAZ) fall under the same zonal rules for Wisconsin and may enter Wisconsin for exhibition as long as they follow all of the rules established by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. 

Wisconsin will not allow bison or cattle from Michigan's federal TB MAZ (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties) or MAAZ (Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties) to be sold at a consignment sale or auction, but they may go to approved feedlots if they meet the testing requirements.

Feeder cattle from Michigan's TB-Free Zone will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with complete physical destination address required, must have official identification, and may enter the State of Wisconsin as long as they are not involved in any TB-positive or exposed herd investigations. 

Rules for the different zones are listed on Wisconsin's website.

Additional information about Michigan's bovine TB eradication efforts may be found at: www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.