Bovine TB confirmed in Michigan

A trace investigation from two bovine tuberculosis (TB)-positive cattle found at a processing facility led to the identification of a bovine TB-positive roping cattle herd in Ottawa County, MI, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The infected animals originated from an infected herd in Indiana, prior to that herd testing positive for bovine TB in December 2016. “Every time a bovine tuberculosis animal is identified at a processing plant, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development work to track where the animal has traveled,” said Jarold Goodrich, DVM, acting assistant state veterinarian. “In Michigan, all cattle moving off any farm or property must have a radio-frequency identification ear tag that begins with 840 to ensure animals can be traced during a disease emergency. Additionally, there are identification and health certificate requirements for cattle moving to Michigan farms from other states.” In 2016, Indiana identified two beef herds and one white-tailed deer as bovine TB-positive, all within Franklin County. A press release from MDARD explained that the type of bovine TB that has been found in both cattle and white-tailed deer in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan is unique to that area and can be identified as separate from bovine TB from other states. As a part of MDARD’s response, a three-mile surveillance area has been established around the affected farm in Ottawa County. Farms within this special surveillance area will have six months to complete bovine TB testing. — WLJ