Descriptive Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Michigan (1975–2010): Lessons Learned

Chika C Okafor,John B Kaneene,James J Averill,Daniel L Grooms,Colleen S Bruning-Fann

doi:10.4061/2011/874924

Abstract

Despite ongoing eradication efforts, bovine tuberculosis (BTB) remains a challenge in Michigan livestock and wildlife. The objectives of this study were to (1) review the epidemiology of BTB in Michigan cattle, privately owned cervids, and wildlife between 1975 and 2010 and (2) identify important lessons learned from the review and eradication strategies. BTB information was accessed from the Michigan BTB Eradication Project agencies. Cattle herds (49), privately owned deer herds (4), and wild white-tailed deer (668) were found infected with BTB during the review period. BTB has occurred primarily in counties located at the northern portion of the state's Lower Peninsula. Currently used BTB eradication strategies have successfully controlled BTB spread. However additional changes in BTB surveillance, prevention, and eradication strategies could improve eradication efforts.

Highlights

After fifteen years of implementing the Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Project, bovine tuberculosis (BTB) remains a challenge in Michigan livestock and wildlife
Additional information collected was the type of surveillance used to identify each BTB infected animal/herd, the type of BTB eradication used in each infected herd, the results of the epidemiological evaluation of the infected herds, and the various BTB eradication strategies/policies utilized by the Michigan BTB Eradication Project partners
Earlier studies observed a decline in sample BTB prevalence in Michigan’s wild white-tailed deer [18, 20, 22]. These results suggest that progress has been made in the BTB eradication

Summary

Introduction

After fifteen years of implementing the Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Project, bovine tuberculosis (BTB) remains a challenge in Michigan livestock and wildlife. At least one BTB-infected cattle herd has been identified in Michigan annually since 1998. Because of this ongoing BTB challenge, regulatory requirements for cattle movements have affected cattle trade in Michigan. The state has spent approximately US$200 million on BTB eradication between 1994 and 2010 [1]. Over US$7 million is spent on BTB surveillance in cattle alone. Additional resources are spent on indemnity payment, cleaning and disinfection of the premises of BTB infected cattle herds, wildlife surveillance, and implementation of other eradication strategies. Reviewing the epidemiology of the current BTB issues in Michigan could help advance BTB eradication strategies in Michigan, other regions of the country, or beyond

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion