MDARD Announces Detection of Bovine Tuberculosis-Positive Herd in Iosco County

LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Iosco County. Following a bovine TB detection in an adult cow identified at a United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant, the animal was traced back to the Iosco County herd. The herd was subsequently tested, and additional bovine TB cases were found.

"Bovine TB is a complex and challenging disease, which is why we always need to fully utilize every tool we have to identify potential cases and take action to limit disease spread," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "At MDARD, together with agency partners, producers, and stakeholders, we are focused on elimination of bovine TB in Michigan's cattle herds. The protection of animal and public health from this disease takes all of us working together."

Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is known to be present in the free-ranging white-tailed deer population in specific areas of northeastern lower Michigan, and the disease can be transmitted between deer and cattle. There are currently two TB zones within the state: a four-county area (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties) known as the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) and the remainder of the state is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone.

In the past, bovine TB-infected wild deer have been found within Iosco County, but this is the first time an infected cattle herd was detected. An epidemiological investigation is already underway to rule out the possibility of additional cases stemming from this affected herd. Whole genome sequencing will also occur to help determine the source of the infection.

While MDARD and other state and federal agencies are taking significant steps to manage bovine TB within the MAZ through routine surveillance testing of cattle herds, mandatory animal identification, required movement certificates, and wildlife biosecurity programs, deer hunting in the northeastern Lower Peninsula continues to be an important tool in combatting this disease and maintaining healthy deer, healthy cattle, and healthy people.

More information about bovine TB can be found on MDARD's Bovine Tuberculosis website.

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