NEWS RELEASE
April 9, 1998

Montmorency Herd Released from Quarantine by USDA

Aggressive Testing Plan Put Forward

Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Coordinator Bob Bender today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture that the preliminary tests from the suspect animal from a Montmorency Dairy farm are not compatible for Mycobacterium bovis, bovine tuberculosis.

"I am happy to report that this herd can now be released from quarantine," said Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Dan Wyant. "These results are encouraging and add credence to Michigan's bovine tuberculosis accredited free status."

Michigan is awaiting the results on tissue cultures from three other animals that have been sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) at the USDA in Ames, Iowa. Today, diagnostic samples will be collected from one additional animal on a dairy farm in Presque Isle county and sent to NVSL for testing. These tests will take approximately 10-12 weeks for completion.

"Our immediate goal is to complete 100% of the testing of test eligible cattle in the high risk area within the next two months," said Wyant. The high risk area is defined as that area located within a five mile radius of known bovine tuberculosis infected deer.

The Department of Agriculture will then concentrate on testing all dairy herds within the five county area by the end of October, 1998. As well, herds with breeding type animals will be on herd plans for tuberculosis surveillance by the end of October, 1998.

"Our ultimate goal is to have all test eligible cattle in the five county area of northern Michigan tested within one year," said Wyant. "The aggressive steps that we have taken go above and beyond what is required by USDA standards for a bovine tuberculosis accredited free state. We're committed to this aggressive approach in order to ensure that Michigan cattle remain tuberculosis free. We are also committed to working cooperatively with our state and industry partners to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from our wild, free-ranging deer herd."

"In his budget, Governor Engler has requested an additional $750,000 for testing and indemnification," said Bender. "I am hopeful that the Legislature continues this important funding during the budget process."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
April 9, 1998 (517) 241-2112