HARRISVILLE –A medium-sized beef herd in Alcona County has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis, according to a statement released by State Veterinarian Nora Wineland.

Alcona County is in Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone, where TB is more closely monitored. The zone also includes Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties.

“The animals were confirmed positive for bovine TB by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories on Jan. 13, 2020,” Wineland said in a statement. “As in all new findings of infected cattle herds, additional testing will be done to identify the specific bacterial strain, and trace testing will begin in order to identify any potential additional cases associated with the infected herd.”

The Alcona County herd is Michigan’s 77th herd to be identified with bovine TB, which is a bacterial disease that can affect all mammals, including humans.