Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Coordinator, Bob Bender today announced another tool has been put in place to assist in Michigan=s efforts to eliminate bovine tuberculosis in Michigan deer. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will issue Disease Control Permits to agriculture producers in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties.
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The permits are an expansion of the existing permit system which allow agricultural producers to harvest deer that cause crop damage or interfere with livestock operations,@ said Bender.Agriculture producers that have concerns with deer on their property can obtain Disease Control Permits by contacting the DNR. A DNR employee will work with the landowner to determine the number of permits and the conditions permits. The deer will be picked up by the DNR in a timely manner for testing.
To request a permit, people are asked to call the Gaylord DNR office headquarters at (517) 732-3541.
Public meetings have been scheduled regarding bovine tuberculosis in deer. The public meetings have been scheduled in order for individuals to comment on the proposed mandatory feeding ban on deer and elk that has been presented to the Agriculture Commission and the wildlife conservation order on baiting restrictions that has been presented to the Natural Resources Commission.
On Friday, March 6, 1998, the public meeting will be held in Presque Isle county at the Belknap Township Hall, 1720 W. 638 Highway, Hawks at 7:00 p.m..
On Saturday, March 7, 1998, the public meeting will be held in Montmorency county at the Hillman Community Center, 24220 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hillman at 1:00 p.m.
On Saturday, March 7, 1998, the public meeting will be held in Alcona county at the South End Fire Hall, 5132 N. Hubbard Lake Road, Spruce at 7:00 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Geralyn Lasher (517) 241-2112
February 27, 1998 Tim Roby (517) 373-1214