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Bovine tuberculosis
Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that can infect all mammals, including humans, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. The disease can be transmitted either directly (contact between infected and non-infected individuals) or indirectly (contaminated feed and water). While the disease primarily affects the respiratory system, less than 40% of deer will show lesions in the chest cavity recognizable by hunters. Bovine TB develops slowly over years, starting in the lymph nodes and eventually progressing to lung and chest cavity lesions. For this reason, it is important to submit the deer’s head for testing. In Michigan, there is a core area in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula where bovine TB is more common among white-tailed deer and cattle. Hunters should also take caution when field dressing deer since humans can become infected with bTB. Bovine TB is a significant challenge for managing livestock and wildlife. Preventive measures and understanding the disease's transmission and development are important for control and protection.