The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public input on two proposals that would establish bovine tuberculosis testing requirements in some Northern Michigan counties.
According to the June 23 MDARD release, the testing requirements are proposed for specific portions of Antrim, Arenac, Charlevoix, Iosco and Ogemaw counties.
MDARD officials said the testing is being recommended following the detection of bovine TB in cattle herds from Charlevoix and Iosco counties earlier this year.
The proposed orders would require all cattle and bison herds, including any 12 months of age or older or those not born on the farm, located in the designated township sections to be tested for bovine TB by July 21, 2027.
Public hearings will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 6 at the Charlevoix Public Library.
Written comments can also be sent by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 17 to DeaconB9@Michigan.gov or by mail to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deborah A. Stabenow Building, Attention: Brad Deacon, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.
For more information about bovine TB in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: MDARD seeking public input for bovine TB testing in Northern Michigan
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
