How the DNR plans to vaccinate Michigan’s deer
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – The battle to overcome bovine tuberculosis, or BTB, in Michigan’s deer population may have a new weapon and delivery system.
Officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University and the USDA National Wildlife Research Center have joined forces to find a way to deliver vaccines against the deadly disease.
But it won’t involve needles.
While the disease mainly impacts animals like deer and cows, officials say it can infect and cause harm in people.
“That means it can be transmitted from wildlife to animals to people,” says Emily Sewell, a wildlife health specialist with the DNR. “And it is endemic, or self-sustaining, in 5 counties in the northeast lower peninsula.”
She has been working with other scientists to deliver the vaccine for BTB. Studies have found placing an oral vaccine in a special food was effective in captive deer populations. They’re now launching a study to determine its efficacy in wild populations in a small area of southern Alpena County. The special vaccine mixed food is provided in feeders on privately owned agricultural fields with high deer populations.
“They have seen good uptake of them,” she says of the researchers’ observations of the deer. “And they’re pleased with it.”
After a few weeks of the free food, researchers will take blood from the deer to evaluate the efficacy of the oral vaccine delivery.
“Do testing to detect an immune response,” she says of the researchers next steps. “Which either could be from bovine tuberculosis, or from the vaccine. And then further testing will be done. =”
This is a “proof of concept” study designed to determine if the experience of oral vaccination in captive populations can be translated to wild populations. If it is successful, it could pave the way for taking care of wildlife for years to come.
Hunters are advised by the DNR to have deer they hope to consume tested for both BTB and chronic wasting disease before they eat it.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
