Alpena Cattle Test Positive For Bovine TB

ALPENA (WWJ/AP) - Officials say a medium-sized dairy herd in Michigan's northeastern Lower Peninsula has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the results Friday for the Alpena County cattle following testing by the agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The state says a meeting is planned for July 12 at Alpena Community College to discuss the findings.

The Alpena County farm is quarantined.

Federal officials have designated most of the Lower Peninsula as free of bovine TB. A high-risk zone remains in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties.

"Our surveillance testing is vital to helping us return all of Michigan to TB Free status," said Dr. James Averill, Animal Industry Division Director at MDARD, in a media release.  "In addition to surveillance testing, farmers are employing tools to keep deer away from their cattle, which will help Michigan have fewer TB positive herds."

Bovine TB is a contagious bacterial disease of cattle and other animals. Authorities found it among Michigan deer in 1994. Since testing began, 54 Michigan cattle herds have been affected by bovine TB.

For more information on Bovine TB, visit this link.

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