The hunter noticed something unusual with the deer and notified authorities, Creagh said. It is the second deer believed to be infected with bovine TB found this month outside the quarantined area east of Interstate 75 and north of Michigan Highway 55. The other was found in Antrim County, about 40 miles outside of the zone. Rigorous testing and quarantine of beef and dairy farms could be extended to other areas if TB is confirmed in the Mecosta case and another deer found earlier this month north of Torch Lake. Tissue samples from the animals are being tested at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa.
Results are due early next month.
The Michigan Farm Bureau cites the two deer as it presses for a statewide ban on deer feeding and baiting. Many farmers fear the disease will spread to livestock, damaging the state's agriculture industry. We cannot afford to control this disease, we must eradicate it. Department of Agriculture Director Dan Wyant said state officials are evaluating the situation, but chances are nothing will change. Wyant said the state has tested nearly 18,000 animals this year, up from 7,000 last year.