Efforts are underway by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to propose a new bovine tuberculosis testing area. This proposed area is located in the northern lower peninsula. According to the department, this proposed action comes after a wild deer tested positive for the disease back in February. Shockingly, this occurrence was outside of the state’s current Modified Accredited Zone, more specifically, in Benzie County.
Understandably, you might be asking, why the need for this expansion? The answer is simple. The state needs to ably respond to this unexpected situation by expanding the zone into portions of both Benzie and Manistee counties. This serves to ensure compliance with its Memorandum of Understanding with the USDA and to maintain a split-state status.
The stakes are high, as all cattle and bison herds in the new area will need to be tested before the end of the year to guarantee they are disease-free. It’s a hefty task, but a necessary one to prevent potential outbreaks.
Want to have your say on this proposed change? A public meeting is set for April 25th, a great opportunity for you to express your viewpoint. The best part is that in efforts to adhere to safety protocols, this meeting will also be available virtually. Furthermore, comments are being accepted up until May 10th. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be heard.
