The USDA performed these tests as part of a broader initiative to verify safe food handling practices following the discovery of H5N1 bird flu virus in dairy cattle. During the tests, a substitute virus was mixed into ground beef, and the patties were cooked at various temperatures and durations.
The results showed that no virus was found in hamburgers cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (medium) or 160 degrees Fahrenheit (well-done). However, some live virus was detected in patties cooked to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (rare), albeit at significantly reduced levels, according to Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza at the USDA.
The potential for this small amount of virus to cause illness remains unknown.
The USDA already advises consumers to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a food thermometer, to prevent infections from bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Deeble emphasized that there is no need to change current safe food handling or cooking practices.
In addition to these findings, the USDA announced $22 million in new investments to protect animal health. Most of this funding will support the Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, a network of state laboratories.
“There are labs with equipment needing updates or upgrades, and some are looking to increase their capacity. This funding will support such projects,” Deeble stated.
Between May 6 and May 12, the national lab network processed 1,100 tests for H5N1 bird flu in cattle, with 278 presumed positive. However, Deeble noted that this number does not reflect the actual number of animals tested or those that tested positive, as multiple samples can be taken from the same animal or tests may be pooled. Approximately 600 tests were performed in accordance with the USDA’s new order requiring testing of dairy cattle moving between states, and 450 tests were conducted on symptomatic animals.
The USDA also received positive feedback on its offer to financially compensate producers who take measures to protect their herds and workers from the virus. However, the necessary forms for farmers to enroll in the program are not yet available, with completion expected by the middle of next week.
Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noted that the agency has struggled to find farmworkers willing to participate in studies examining bird flu transmission on dairy farms, despite offering $75 compensation.
“We’re not giving up hope. We are in constant conversation with several states. We’re getting closer, but have yet to finalize any arrangements,” Shah said.
