Discover the latest updates on the US’s proactive measures to test ground beef amid bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows. Will your state be affected? Find out now.
In an effort to safeguard the meat supply amid bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows, the U.S. government announced on Monday that it is initiating ground beef sample collection at retail stores in affected states for testing. Despite the current circumstances, the officials remain confident in the safety of the country’s meat supply.
Following the confirmation of the H5N1 virus in 34 dairy cattle herds across nine states since late March, along with one human case in Texas, federal officials are working diligently to assure the safety of milk and meat products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both downplayed the risk to public health as low, but caution that it’s higher for those with exposure to infected animals.
Contrary to official reports, scientists have suggested the outbreaks in cows may be more widespread. Their assertion is based on H5N1 particles found in approximately 20% of milk samples analyzed. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assured on Friday that pasteurization effectively exterminates the bird flu virus present in milk, based on preliminary results of PCR tests – the gold standard in testing.
The USDA’s Intervention
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also analyze retail ground beef samples with these PCR tests to determine the presence of any viral particles. This is a noteworthy step as some dairy cows are transformed into ground beef when they grow old.
It’s important to note that starting Monday, the USDA has made it mandatory for lactating dairy cows to test negative for bird flu before they can be moved across state lines. This move is part of the official’s ongoing effort to contain the spread of the virus.
Interestingly, the USDA has released a statement over the weekend saying that testing is not required for cows that move directly from barns to slaughter facilities across state lines; they only need a documentation verifying they were vetted by a vet. The department assures it inspects each animal before slaughter, and all cattle carcasses must pass a post-slaughter inspection to enter the human food supply.
Last week, the USDA announced that it had reportedly identified traces of bird flu in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic dairy cow sent for slaughter from an infected herd. This consequently shows the strict measures they are taking to ensure no infected produce enters the food chain.
“The USDA is now collecting beef muscle samples at slaughter facilities of dairy cattle that have been condemned to determine the presence of viral particles, according to the statement. Any positive PCR tests for retail or slaughter samples will be evaluated for live virus,” the statement from the USDA reads.
Ensuring Safe Consumption
The USDA doesn’t stop at testing alone. They plan on using a “virus surrogate” in ground beef and cook it at varying temperatures to study how the virus behaves. The department wants to confirm that cooking meat to safe, specified internal temperatures eliminates potential bacteria and viruses.
That being said, it’s worth noting that no known cases of bird flu have been found in beef cattle as of now. The only human case in the current outbreak was a Texas farm worker who developed conjunctivitis after exposure to dairy cows.
Reacting to the situation, Colombia has imposed restrictions on the import of beef and related products from U.S states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza since April 15 (source).
The on-going situation evokes the need for vigilance and adequate precautions to ensure the quality of agricultural produce for public health safety.
In light of recent events, the leadership and professionalism exhibited by agencies like the USDA deserves commendation for stepping up and taking swift action to ensure the well-being of the American people remains uncompromised during these uncertain times.
