Why is TB eradication necessary?
The eradication of bovine TB is necessary for a variety of reasons including the reputation of Michigan’s quality agricultural products and the health of our natural resources. Michigan is now one of two states in the US that still has bovine TB, and the only state where the disease has become established in wild deer. At the national level, the USDA has lowered our status to nonmodified accredited, until we can prove that we no longer have bovine TB in the cattle herds of Michigan. And, until TB is eradicated, other states will continue to impose strict importation requirements that protect their livestock. MDA plans to test all cattle, goats, captive cervidae and bison herds in Michigan at least once by December 31, 2003. Simultaneously, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has expanded its testing and surveillance efforts in Michigan’s wildlife population. The Michigan Department of Community Health also offers TB testing for people concerned about possible exposure to the d
