Bovine tuberculosis in Michigan: Understanding stakeholder attitudes toward the disease and eradication efforts

Bovine tuberculosis has been discovered at unprecedented levels in Michigan wildlife, especially white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Human behaviors, particularly the use of bait and feed, have facilitated the spread of the disease into free-ranging white-tailed deer populations. Policies aimed at eradicating bovine tuberculosis in Michigan require public compliance and cooperation in order to be successful. Because of the human contribution to the spread of bovine tuberculosis in Michigan wildlife, and the social nature of subsequent bovine tuberculosis eradication policies, we conducted a survey of bovine TB issue stakeholder groups in northeast Michigan, including non-resident hunters, resident hunters, livestock producers, business owners/managers, and the general public. Social data can help determine public support for wildlife management policies, such as bovine TB eradication strategies, as well as identify targets and messages for ongoing communication efforts. We found differing attitudes, beliefs and levels of knowledge between stakeholder groups. We also found that different beliefs predict hunter attitudes toward bovine TB eradication in principle versus in practice. We use these results to make recommendations for future communication efforts aimed at bolstering public support for bovine tuberculosis eradication and eradication policies.