USDA is conducting tests on beef for the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The US Department of Agriculture revealed on a Monday that they are carrying out three distinct studies focusing on beef safety. These studies involve taking samples of ground beef from shops in states where dairy cattle have tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Additionally, the agency is acquiring muscle tissue from sick cows that have been removed from their herds.
They will also delve into cooking studies, which will inoculate ground beef with a "virus surrogate" and cook it at different temperatures to determine how effectively each temperature diminishes the virus.
This development unfolds following restrictions imposed by a particular country, Colombia, on beef and beef products exported from US states where dairy herds were found to be infected with avian influenza.
The US Beef Export Foundation described the restrictions as having "no scientific basis." It is noteworthy that the US is the leading supplier of beef to Colombia, contributing approximately $40 million last year, according to the Foundation.
The USDA is employing polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing, a highly sensitive lab method capable of detecting even the smallest amounts of non-functioning genetic material from the virus if any is present. Should any samples arrive positive, they will be subjected to further evaluation for the existence of live virus, as stated by the USDA.
The USDA asserts that the meat supply is secure. They maintain a meticulous meat inspection process and have several measures in place to shield consumers, as mentioned in a statement sent to media outlets Monday.
"We recommend consumers handle raw meats appropriately and cook to an internal temperature that kills bacteria and viruses in the meat," the agency added.
Read also:
Source: edition.cnn.com
