Michigan officials are warning hunters to be
on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis in deer.
The Michigan
Department of Natural Resources called it an "emerging disease," which
has recently affected a large beef herd in Alcona County. It's the 73rd cattle
herd to be identified with bovine TB in the state since 1998, the Associated
Press reported. According
to the agency, bovine TB is an infectious disease that is caused by the
bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. It can be transmitted between wildlife
populations, as well as farm animals.
The disease may develop in the lungs, but can
also be found in the intestines and other parts of the body.
Wildlife
managers in Michigan are working to eradicate bovine TB from white-tailed deer
in the state. Meanwhile, hunters are urged to get their deer tested -- even if
the animal looks healthy.
Here are a few warning signs of bovine TB to
lookout for when field dressing a deer:
- Lymph nodes in the animal's head usually show infection
first. As the disease progresses, lesions may begin to develop on the
surface of the lungs and chest cavity.
- In severely infected deer, lesions can sometimes be
found throughout the animal's entire body. Deer with severe TB may have
tan or yellow lumps lining the chest wall and in the lung tissue.
The Michigan
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will host meetings to discuss
its latest findings on Oct. 29 in Mio and Nov. 1 in Hillman.
A photo provided on the department's website
shows what the disease looks like in a deer's ribcage.
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources
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