State Investigates Bovine TB in Alpena, Presque Isle Cattle

Infected animals discovered during annual surveillance testing in northeastern Michigan

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:49pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal skeletal structure of a cow's head and neck, conceptually illustrating the detection and management of bovine tuberculosis in cattle.An X-ray view of a cow's head highlights the ongoing challenge of managing the spread of bovine tuberculosis between cattle and wild deer populations.Alpena Today

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced the detection of bovine tuberculosis in two cattle herds located in Alpena and Presque Isle counties. The infected animals were discovered during routine annual whole-herd surveillance testing. State officials are now conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify the possible sources of infection, including a genetic analysis of the specific tuberculosis organism found in the herds.

Why it matters

Bovine tuberculosis is a serious bacterial disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. The disease is known to be present in the wild white-tailed deer population in specific areas of northeastern lower Michigan, where it can be transmitted between deer and cattle. Detecting and managing this disease is crucial to protecting the health of both livestock and wildlife populations in the region.

The details

The detection of bovine TB occurred during scheduled annual tests of the two cattle herds. State Veterinarian Nora Wineland emphasized that both herds are located in areas where the disease is known to be present in wild deer, underscoring the importance of active disease management through surveillance testing and protecting cattle from contact with infected wildlife.

  • The bovine TB detection was announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on April 6, 2026.
  • The infected animals were discovered during the annual whole-herd surveillance testing.

The players

Nora Wineland

The State Veterinarian of Michigan who stressed the importance of active disease management and protecting cattle from contact with infected wild deer.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The state agency that announced the detection of bovine tuberculosis in two cattle herds in Alpena and Presque Isle counties and is conducting the epidemiological investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Both herds are located in areas where bovine TB is known to be present in the free-ranging white-tailed deer population and both herds illustrate why it is so crucial to consistently perform surveillance testing and actively manage this disease.”

— Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian

What’s next

The epidemiological investigation will include a genetic analysis of the specific tuberculosis organism identified in the infected herds to help determine the possible sources of the infection.

The takeaway

The detection of bovine TB in these cattle herds highlights the ongoing challenge of managing this disease in areas where it is present in the wild deer population. Continued surveillance, biosecurity measures, and collaboration between livestock producers, wildlife managers, and public health officials will be crucial to containing the spread of this serious illness.