FSIS to Start H5N1 Beef Monitoring Sampling

On September 16, 2024, the FSIS will be adding H5N1 influenza A monitoring in dairy cows at slaughter to its already robust national surveillance programs for pathogens and chemical contaminants.

FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program (NRP) and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for this program. Samples will be tested by FSIS laboratory personnel using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Carcasses sampled under the NRP are held by establishments pending results of residue testing...

Study Confirms Mammal-to-Mammal H5N1 Spread

A new Cornell University study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission – between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.

A new Cornell University study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission – between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.

“This is one of the first times that we are seeing evidence...

Properly Prepared Beef Remains Safe; Meat Institute Calls For Guidance to Protect Workers 

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a nationwide order including requiring lactating dairy cows to test negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) before interstate transport, the Meat Institute today said that properly prepared beef remains safe to eat and called for USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide worker safety guidance specific to beef processors to ensure workers are protected from infection.

“USDA and CDC are working overtime to understand the spread of the virus...