We have a state bird. We have a state dance. Now, lawmakers have proposed a state microbe.

Lactococcus lactis is the superhero bacterium behind many cheeses. This is at least the third time lawmakers have tried to make it the Wisconsin state microbe.

Savanna Tomei-Olson

Oct 27, 2025, 8:08 AM CST

Savanna Tomei-Olson

Savanna Tomei Olson is Assistant News Director at Civic Media, guiding our news team in editorial decisions. She is also the reporter and voice behind newscasts on WMDX in Madison. Email her at [email protected].

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Chali Pittman

Chali Pittman is Civic Media’s News Director. She’s worked for over a decade in community and nonprofit news, most recently leading news and talk programming at community radio WORT in Madison. Reach her at [email protected] or (608) 616-2240.