Wisconsin Opens Borders to Some Michigan Cattle

By CnAgri2012-08-08 19:32:18 Print

Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Jamie Clover Adams announced that Wisconsin will recognize Michigan's recent bovine Tuberculosis Split State Status achievement from the USDA. On August 1, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection informed Michigan's state veterinarian of new importation rules acknowledging that state's split status, which means Wisconsin now recognizes two bovine TB Zones in the state of Michigan.

"Our mandatory electronic identification is, and was, critical to Wisconsin's decision to amend their importation rules," said Adams. "For the first time since we began our bovine TB eradication efforts, Wisconsin acknowledges the difference in zones. This translates into more market opportunities to sell Michigan beef and continues to grow the economic footprint for our food and agriculture system."

Bovine from the Modified Accredited Zone and the Modified Accredited Advanced Zone fall under the same zonal rules for Wisconsin and may enter Wisconsin for exhibition as long as they follow all of the rules established by the DATCP.

Wisconsin will not allow bison or cattle from Michigan's federal TB MAZ or MAAZ to be sold at a consignment sale or auction, but they may go to approved feedlots if they meet the testing requirements.

Feeder cattle from Michigan's TB-Free Zone will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection with complete physical destination address required, must have official identification, and may enter the state of Wisconsin as long as they are not involved in any TB-positive or exposed herd investigations.