USDA Launches Testing of Ground Beef Supply for Avian Influenza: Steak Dinners and Burgers at Risk
US Health Officials to Test Ground Beef for Avian Flu Amid Growing Concerns
US health officials have announced plans to begin testing ground beef for bird flu, as concerns rise over the virus potentially entering the commercial meat supply. The move comes following three studies conducted by the USDA, which will test for avian flu particles in beef and dairy cows, as well as the effectiveness of cooking meat to kill the virus.
While avian flu has not been found in beef cattle before, recent studies have shown its presence in dairy cows and even grocery store milk, sparking fears about the virus spreading through milk and causing potential health risks. However, experts maintain that the virus in milk is inactive and cannot infect people.
Despite this reassurance, some doctors are advising caution, urging people to avoid consuming rare meat and runny eggs while the outbreak continues. The avian influenza A (H5N1) strain has already led to millions of wild bird and mammal deaths, and has even infected goats.
In a concerning development, a case in a Texas farmer has been reported, marking the first human affected by the virus in the US. With high mortality rates observed in humans who have been infected, there are concerns about the potential for the virus to lead to the next pandemic.
Farmers who are in close contact with cows are particularly at risk of infection, with half of the people infected with the virus since 1996 succumbing to the illness. These statistics raise alarm about the potential severity of a future pandemic. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
