Lansing - State Veterinarian Dr. Steven Halstead today announced the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has extended the comment period for the proposed bovine Tuberculosis (TB) changes that will shrink the Modified Accredited Zone and affect all interstate and intrastate cattle and bison movement through September 8, 2009.

The public hearings on proposed changes will be held in Lansing, Atlanta, and Harbor Springs on September 2 and 3, 2009. 

"Michigan cattlemen have made many sacrifices in this eradication effort," Averill said.  "I am determined to partner with producers, and emphasize solutions, like these proposed rules, to keep farmers in business, while we eradicate bovine TB."

"Dr. Averill brings valuable skills in epidemiology, population medicine, public health, communication, and leadership to the bovine TB eradication effort," Halstead said.  "We are very pleased to have him join the team."

Averill received his Ph.D in epidemiology at Michigan State University, with research on the use of antimicrobial agents in dairy calves and the impact on public health.  He will work with Michigan cattle producers and interagency partners to develop strategies that reduce the risk of bovine TB in cattle.  He comes to MDA with experience as the Deputy Pandemic Influenza Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Comments on interstate and intrastate cattle and bison movement rules may be submitted at one of the following public hearings:

Lansing on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan Street, ConCon Conference Room, South Tower, Atrium Level. 

Atlanta/Hillman on Thursday, September 3, 2009 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the MDA's Atlanta Field Office, 16860 M-32 East.  The MDA Field Office is 4½ miles east of the post office in Atlanta.

Harbor Springs on Thursday, September 3, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the John R. Watson Community Center, 3434 Harbor-Petoskey Road.

The bovine TB zonal boundaries were proposed before the Michigan Commission of Agriculture on July 21, 2009.  The proposed rules have recently been published in the legal section of 16 newspapers statewide, posted on the MDA and Emerging Diseases website, and were presented at public meetings in July.

The Bovine TB Proposed Zoning Order Public Comment Form is also posted on the Michigan Department of Agriculture website at www.michigan.gov/mdaunder Spotlight.

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