Hunters warned about serious disease infecting deer tracked in Michigan

Warning: A graphic image showing the disease is posted below.A serious disease is infecting deer in Michigan.Nearly 900 of the more than 230,000 deer tested across the state were found to have bovine tuberculosis in 2017, WEYI-TV reported, citing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.A majority — 78 percent — of the deer that tested positive were found in four counties.Hunting has been crucial in identifying and managing the disease, officials said.Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which attacks the respiratory system in deer and people.An infected animal's lymph nodes typically are the first sign of the disease, officials said. Lesions also could develop on the lungs and chest cavity.Michigan is the only state where tuberculosis has been found in deer, WEYI reported. The disease is spread through the exchange of saliva and through coughing. It can be spread when animals come in close contact.Food that has been contaminated by saliva also can spread the disease.State officials have been trying to diminish the disease and offer test sites where hunters can take the heads of deer to determine if it has been infected.The threat of humans contacting the disease from deer is rare. Fewer than 230 cases a year in the United States show signs of transmission from animals to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Warning: A graphic image showing the disease is posted below.

A serious disease is infecting deer in Michigan.


Nearly 900 of the more than 230,000 deer tested across the state were found to have bovine tuberculosis in 2017, WEYI-TV reported, citing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A majority — 78 percent — of the deer that tested positive were found in four counties.

Hunting has been crucial in identifying and managing the disease, officials said.

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which attacks the respiratory system in deer and people.

An infected animal's lymph nodes typically are the first sign of the disease, officials said. Lesions also could develop on the lungs and chest cavity.

Michigan is the only state where tuberculosis has been found in deer, WEYI reported. The disease is spread through the exchange of saliva and through coughing. It can be spread when animals come in close contact.



Food that has been contaminated by saliva also can spread the disease.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources The rib cage of a deer infected with bovine tuberculosis.

State officials have been trying to diminish the disease and offer test sites where hunters can take the heads of deer to determine if it has been infected.

The threat of humans contacting the disease from deer is rare. Fewer than 230 cases a year in the United States show signs of transmission from animals to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

