Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) applauds the Michigan dairy and livestock producers who have worked aggressively for several years to reverse the TB designation assigned to the state nearly two decades ago. The commitment of Michigan’s farmers to protect livestock from this disease has led to 57 counties designated as Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Free.

“The TB-Free designation is welcome and long anticipated news to Michigan’s dairy industry,” MMPA President Ken Nobis said. “The State of Michigan and the agriculture industry have spent a tremendous amount of time and resources working toward the TB Free designation. We appreciate the efforts of all farmers and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to bring this designation to fruition.”

In an interim rule published in the Federal Register on Sept. 14, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that 57 counties in the Lower Peninsula have been designated as Bovine TB Free. In addition, USDA approved the removal of Presque Isle County from the Bovine TB Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ).

“We understand the ultimate goal is have all Michigan counties designated as TB Free,” says Nobis. “By designating the 57 counties as TB Free, along with the already designated TB Free Upper Peninsula, it allows for the more effective use of limited resources to help eradicate Bovine TB from the state completely.” PD

—From MMPA news release