The State of Michigan, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been successfully working to eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis from Michigan since it was first discovered in free-ranging white-tailed deer in 1995. Since that time, the livestock industry has completed surveillance that demonstrates the disease is confined to the northern section of Lower Michigan.

In addition, a surveillance, epidemiology, animal identification, and movement tracking system has been implemented to attempt to eliminate the spread of this disease between livestock herds.

I clearly understand the hardship bovine TB has caused many producers, and I feel strong compassion for each of you as we struggle to eradicate this disease. Michigan has entered a critical phase in the disease eradication program, and your support is paramount to its success.

Click here to read the frequently asked questions relative to the bovine TB program. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture at 517/373-1077, or leave your comments on the blog below (all comments are reviewed before posting).