Meat Institute responds to mandated HPAI testing in dairy cattle

After the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a federal order that required lactating cows test negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) prior to interstate transport, the Meat Institute released a statement pointing out properly prepared beef remains safe to eat. The Meat Institute also called for the USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide worker safety guidelines for beef processors to ensure workers are protected from infection.

“USDA and CDC are working overtime to understand the spread of the virus and to determine its effects on the health of people and animals,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer of the Meat Institute. “We encourage USDA and CDC to conduct additional testing and monitoring to continue to ensure properly prepared beef remains safe to eat.”

Potts said the Meat Institute and its members are working with the USDA, state and local veterinarians and its cattle producer partners to stop the spread of the virus and to ensure beef production continues.