USDA confirms safe meat supply after dairy cow tests positive for Avian Influenza

By Farms.com

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that one dairy cow tested positive for avian influenza during routine testing. This cow was part of a group already condemned for other reasons, and its meat never entered the food supply chain.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducts regular inspections to ensure meat safety. In this case, inspectors identified signs of illness in the cow and prevented its meat from being processed. This highlights the effectiveness of the USDA's food safety system.

While the test detected avian influenza particles, it doesn't distinguish between live virus and inactive fragments. The USDA emphasizes the safety of the meat supply and recommends consumers follow safe handling and cooking practices for meat.