New Bovine TB Cases Confirmed in Michigan Deer Herds

Officials are investigating how the disease spread in two counties.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the skeletal structure of a deer, with the ghostly lines of its bones glowing against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the hidden spread of bovine tuberculosis in the state's wildlife.An X-ray view exposes the hidden threat of bovine tuberculosis lurking within Michigan's deer population.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. 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 to rely on surveillance testing, animal tracking, and wildlife management to contain the disease.

The details

The new cases of bovine TB were found in the Accredited Free Zone, which includes Presque Isle County, even though the disease has been established for years in the whitetail herd across parts of northeastern Lower Michigan's Modified Accredited Zone. MDARD says it will continue to stress the importance of deer hunting in the region to help reduce bovine TB.

  • The new cases of bovine TB were confirmed on April 18, 2026.
  • Routine annual whole-herd testing is the process that discovered the new infections.

The players

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)

The state agency that confirmed the new cases of bovine TB in cattle herds located in Alpena and Presque Isle counties.

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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 case highlights the ongoing challenge of managing bovine TB in Michigan, where the disease has become established in the state's deer population. Continued vigilance and a multi-pronged approach involving testing, tracking, and wildlife management will be crucial to limiting the spread of this bacterial infection.