USDA Tests Find No Bird Flu in Ground Beef Samples from States with Infected Cattle

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday that all 30 ground beef samples collected from retail outlets in states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus were negative for the virus. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) collected the samples, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) reported that all samples tested negative for H5N1.

"These results confirm that the meat supply is safe," the USDA said in a statement. The testing was conducted as part of federal efforts to confirm the safety of milk and meat products after the detection of H5N1 in 34 dairy cattle herds across nine states since the end of March.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also said preliminary results of tests on additional dairy products show pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus. While the overall public health risk is considered low, the authorities remain vigilant for any changes in the H5N1 virus that could make it more easily transmissible among humans.

Why this matters: The negative test results provide reassurance to consumers about the safety of the U.S. meat supply amid the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak in cattle. Thorough testing and monitoring by federal agencies are vital to prevent potential public health risks and maintain consumer confidence in the food system.

In addition to the ground beef testing, the USDA is conducting two other beef safety studies related to H5N1 in cattle: beef muscle sampling of cull dairy cows condemned at USDA-inspected slaughter facilities and a ground beef cooking study. The CDC has confirmed a second case of a person in Texas testing positive for H5N1 after being exposed to infected dairy cattle.

The USDA emphasized that they have a rigorous meat inspection process and recommend that consumers properly handle raw meats and cook them to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. "Federal authorities have been working to confirm the safety of milk and meat products," the USDA stated, adding that they are confident in the safety of the meat supply and are conducting additional testing to enhance scientific knowledge about the virus.

Key Takeaways

• USDA tested 30 ground beef samples, all negative for H5N1 bird flu.
• FDA says pasteurization inactivates H5N1 virus in dairy products.
• USDA conducting further beef safety studies related to H5N1 in cattle.
• Second case of human H5N1 infection confirmed after exposure to infected dairy cattle.
• USDA emphasizes proper meat handling and cooking to ensure food safety.