State seeks public comment: seven more counties to be bovine TB Free

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced publication of the Interim Rule in the Federal Register moving Michigan’s Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Modified Accredited Advanced Zone, which includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties, to bovine TB free status.

An interim rule allows a state to adopt the changes immediately while the public is providing comments on the rule.

“After 19 years of disease surveillance, 79 counties in the state are now bovine TB free. This marks a tremendous milestone for both the state and our cattle producers,” said Jamie Clover Adams, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. (MDARD) “Michigan’s producers and veterinarians have collaborated to effectively shrink the area where the disease remains. We will continue to be diligent and work together to eradicate bovine TB from Michigan.”

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While comments are being taken and recorded for the Interim Rule in the Federal Register, MDARD will seek comments on a new proposed Zoning Order for Michigan to reflect bovine TB free status of seven additional counties.

Two public meetings will be held in the northern portion of the lower peninsula for producers and others to comment on the proposed zoning order.

Bovine TB zoning order public hearings for formal comment are scheduled for:

– Sept. 25,  2 p.m., Wolverine Village Community Hall; 7 p.m. MDARD Office, Atlanta.