In response to the recent detection of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in wild deer across multiple Michigan counties, state authorities have ramped up efforts to curb the spread by designating two new testing areas, with the health of the public and livestock at stake, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is mandating tests for all cattle and bison herds within specific regions, reports ClickOnDetroit.

The newly established areas cover parts of Benzie, Manistee, Crawford, and Otsego counties, where bovine TB was found during the 2023 deer hunting season, the affected wildlife prompting proactive measures. "Whenever there is a bovine TB-positive wild deer found outside of the counties where the disease is known to be endemic, it is part of MDARD's routine response to test all cattle and bison herds within a 10-mile radius of that deer’s location," State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a statement obtained by ClickOnDetroit, with Michigan aiming to maintain its divided status, where most of the state is deemed bovine TB-free and a smaller northeastern section remains under watch due to more frequent occurrences of the disease.

According to MDARD's press release, bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can infect all mammals, including humans as the disease is typically transmitted via respiratory secretions through close contact or shared food and water sources, health officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any cross-species infection, especially as Michigan's dairy and beef industries could suffer from compromised market access if the disease spreads uncontrollably.

Important public hearings and review processes have been conducted for the Benzie and Manistee counties, while the Crawford and Otsego counties didn't require this due to existing protocols, farmers and producers within the designated areas are set to receive detailed letters on the mandatory testing and instructions on arranging it, as per MDARD's efforts to continue the existing Bovine TB Program which has been actively attempting to eradicate the disease from Michigan's livestock and wildlife for the past three decades.