A case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in a cattle herd in Alcona County, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
The disease was found during routine testing in Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) – Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties where bovine TB is more commonly found.
This case makes for seven cases of the illness found in Michigan so far this year. Three of these cases originated in Iosco County, an area outside of the MAZ.
Bovine TB can impact all mammals, including humans. However, the risk is low for those who do not hunt, work with, or regularly spend time with deer.
State officials said that an investigation is underway to identify any cases of the disease related to the affected herd. Testing to determine the source of the infection will also be carried out.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said the routine testing that caught this case is crucial to keep bovine TB as low of a threat as possible to both humans and animals.
“Bovine TB is a persistent, complex disease, which is why routine surveillance testing remains an essential disease management tool,” she said.
MDARD is encouraging members of the public to help fight the disease by safely hunting deer and refraining from feeding deer. These actions aid in stopping the disease, which is often found in white-tailed deer, from spreading.
