Hunters must be wary of bovine tuberculosis in deer after confirmation of the disease by a herd of cattle in Alcona County.

This is the 73rd herd diagnosed in the state since 1998, according to the Associated Press. Cattle at Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda must be tested before leaving their farms.

Although bovine tuberculosis primarily affects cattle, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources indicates that the disease can be transmitted between farm animals and wild animals. It appears in the lungs, intestines and other parts of the body in animals.

Michigan wildlife officials are also working to eradicate deer disease in the state, Fox-TV reported (Mobile, Alabama). Hunters must look for lesions on the lymph nodes, lungs or the rest of the deer 's body while he is dressing.

At the same time, farmers in the area should strive to prevent deer from staying away from livestock, said assistant vet Nancy Barr at the Associated Press.

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