So far, avian influenza A (H5N1) has not spread to humans, even though it has made the jump to cows in at least eight states, but beef consumer response to such an event is unknown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement this week discussing the agency’s actions and the risk of humans contracting the disease.
The wide geographic spread of H5N1 bird flu viruses in wild birds, poultry and some other mammals, including cows, is creating additional opportunities for people to be exposed to these viruses, the CDC said in the release.
Therefore, there could be an increase in sporadic human infections resulting from bird, cattle and other animal exposures, even if the risk of these viruses spreading to people has not increased, the CDC said.
However, sporadic human infections in the current context would not significantly change CDC’s risk assessment, which currently is low.
WHAT WOULD INCREASE PUBLIC HEALTH RISK
Identification of multiple simultaneous instances of H5N1 bird flu viruses spreading from birds, cattle or other animals to people or certain genetic changes in circulating viruses could change CDC’s risk assessment because they could indicate the virus is adapting to spread more easily from animals to people, the CDC said.
Additionally, if limited, non-sustained, person-to-person spread with this virus were to occur, that would also raise the public health threat because it could mean the virus is adapting to spread between people, the release said. Sustained person-to-person spread is needed for a pandemic to occur.
Because of the potential for influenza viruses to change, continued surveillance and preparedness efforts are critical, and CDC is taking measures to be ready in case the current risk assessment for the general public changes, the release said.
The immediate goal is to prevent further spread of this virus between animals and people, the CDC said. CDC will continue to monitor these viruses and update and adjust guidance as needed.
People with close, prolonged or unprotected exposures to infected birds, cattle or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds, cattle or other animals, are at a greater risk of infection, the CDC said.
The CDC has interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring and public health investigations of H5N1 viruses on it website. The CDC also has recommendations for employee protection and use of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of exposure.
Unpasteurized (“raw”) milk from sick cattle has tested positive for H5N1 viruses, so consumption of raw milk can be dangerous and is not recommended.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $181.32 per cwt to $187.00, compared with last week’s range of $182.00 to $185.81 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $285.91 per cwt to $290.32, compared with $287.22 to $292.58.
The USDA choice cutout Thursday was up $1.18 per cwt at $296.92 while select was down $0.76 at $289.66. The choice/select spread widened to $7.26 from $5.32 with 98 loads of fabricated product and 22 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The weighted average USDA listed wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $345.73 per cwt, and 50% beef was $78.53.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.43 to $1.53 a bushel over the May corn contract, which settled at $4.41 a bushel, up $0.03 1/4.
No live cattle contracts were tendered for delivery Thursday.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Wednesday was $245.15 per cwt, up $2.51. This compares with Thursday’s Apr contract settlement of $244.87, up $1.77 and May’s $246.25, up $2.15.