Routine bovine tuberculosis surveillance testing conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently confirmed a medium-sized beef herd as bovine TB positive in Oscoda County. This is the 64th cattle herd in Michigan found with bovine TB since 1998.

An informational meeting for beef and dairy cattle producers in Oscoda County is scheduled for: April 21, 2016 at 7 p.m. at Elmer Township Hall, 863 Kittle Road in Mio.

Surveillance tests finds another TB-positive heard

Bovine TB is an infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting cattle; however, it can be spread between wildlife populations and other mammals, including humans. This herd is located in a county where bovine TB is endemic in the free-ranging white-tailed deer. Any contact either directly or indirectly with the deer can spread bovine TB to a herd.

“This is the first herd designated in 2016,” says Dr. Rick Smith, Assistant State Veterinarian. “This herd follows three others found in 2015. The ongoing surveillance program in the modified accredited zone of Michigan continues to be vital in identifying the disease as it occurs in cattle. But, more needs to be done to prevent the transmission of TB from infected free-ranging deer. We encourage all cattle producers to be vigilant in protecting their feed storage areas and cattle feed and water sites. In addition, cattle should be kept from areas where deer live and congregate.” 

In designated bovine TB portions of the Northeastern Lower Peninsula, annual surveillance testing and testing before movement is required. These testing precautions are designed to catch the disease in the very earliest stages and prevent the disease from spreading to other farms. In addition, all cattle in Michigan must have electronic identification ear tags before they move from a farm which assists MDARD in tracing cattle movement in the event of a disease investigation.