New Bovine TB Cases Confirmed in Michigan Deer Herds

Officials investigating how disease spread in two counties

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a deer's head and neck, with glowing white bones and faint outlines of the animal's soft tissues, conceptually representing the hidden spread of bovine tuberculosis within the state's deer population.An X-ray view exposes the hidden spread of bovine tuberculosis within Michigan's deer herds.Alpena Today

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed new cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle herds located in Alpena and Presque Isle counties. The infections were discovered during routine annual whole-herd testing, a process designed to catch the disease early and limit its spread.

Why it matters

Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can affect cattle, deer, and other mammals, and in rare cases, can impact humans. Transmission often occurs when cattle come into contact with infected deer, making wildlife interaction the key factor. State officials will conduct a full investigation to trace how the infection occurred and continue surveillance testing, animal tracking, and wildlife management to contain the disease.

The details

Bovine TB isn't new to Michigan, as the disease has been established for years in the whitetail herd across parts of northeastern Lower Michigan. The state manages this through two zones: the Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) covering Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties, and the Accredited Free Zone covering the rest of Michigan, including Presque Isle County. Even in the Accredited Free Zone, counties near the MAZ follow stricter testing and cattle movement rules due to the ongoing risk.

  • The new cases were confirmed on April 8, 2026.

The players

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)

The state agency responsible for investigating and managing the bovine TB outbreak in Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

State officials will conduct a full investigation, including genetic testing of the bacteria, to trace how the infection occurred. MDARD says it will continue to rely on surveillance testing, animal tracking, and wildlife management to contain the disease.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the ongoing challenge of managing bovine TB in Michigan, where the disease has been established in the deer population for years. Continued vigilance and collaboration between state agencies, farmers, and hunters will be crucial to limiting the spread of this disease and protecting both livestock and wildlife.