Like white-tailed deer, elk are susceptible to bovine tuberculosis (TB). Because the elk range lies within an area shared by TB-infected deer, the risk of transmission to elk is very real. Research and experience with elk and red deer in other countries suggests that, should TB become established in Michigan's elk herd, it could spread more rapidly than it has in deer. Since May 1996, we have tested 2,810 elk for TB. Between 2000 and 2006, five elk tested positive for TB in Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties. No elk have tested positive since 2006. Because elk and deer normally avoid each other in the wild, evidence suggests these elk probably were infected from feeding at man-made feed sites or bait piles intended for deer. Testing of elk for TB is mandatory, and all successful hunters must turn in the head of their elk for testing. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing is no longer mandatory. A total of 1,666 elk have been tested for CWD and all have been negative. To check the bovine TB laboratory results of your harvested elk go to www.michigan.gov/dnrlab.