In response to the detection of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a Charlevoix County cattle herd, the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture & Rural Development, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture are conducting deer sampling in Charlevoix and Antrim counties to determine if the disease is present in the local wild deer population. There have been no previously documented cases of bovine TB in deer in these counties.
Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is known to be present in the free-ranging white-tailed deer population in specific areas of northeastern lower Michigan, and the disease can be transmitted between deer and cattle.
To test for bovine TB, deer must be harvested with landowner consent, then transported to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The DNR is committed to a respectful and responsible harvest and is working with partners to ensure that all venison that tests negative for bovine TB is donated to provide meals for local families.
Thank you to the Antrim County and Charlevoix County Farm Bureau along with Little Traverse Conservancy for coordinating the meat processing, the Baiardi Family Foundation for funding, and the Manna Food Project for distributing the venison throughout the community.
"Disease does not follow property boundaries or county lines, and we appreciate the cooperation of private landowners who make these efforts possible," said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. "It takes many partners working together to understand the impact of disease on the cattle herds and wild deer that Michiganders depend on."
In addition to this focused sampling, bovine TB testing will be available for hunter-harvested deer from Charlevoix County this fall. Disease sampling efforts in Charlevoix and Antrim counties are unrelated to any other deer removals in the state.
For questions about testing deer for bovine TB in Charlevoix and Antrim counties, please contact the DNR at 989-732-3541. If cattle producers have questions related to bovine TB and their herd, please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.