The National Cattleman's Beef Association (NCBA) issued a statement on Friday, April 5th regarding false information that has been circulating on social media regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in cattle.
This statement read "There are no current mRNA vaccines licensed for use in beef cattle in the United States. Cattle farmers and ranchers do vaccinate cattle to treat and prevent many diseases, but presently none of these vaccines include mRNA technology."
What is mRNA and why are we talking about it?
mRNA stands for Messenger RNA and is genetic material that tells your body how to make proteins. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines that are used in humans are made of mRNA which is wrapped in a protective coating that keeps the body from damaging it. The mRNA within the vaccine teaches cells how to make copies of the virus's proteins which will then allow the body to recognize the real virus when exposed and know how to fight it off. Two of the current COVID vaccines use this technology, Moderna and Pfizer.
On January 12th, the website Truth Press published an article that has taken social media by storm, thus spreading false information about mRNA and its use in cattle vaccines. This article stated that mRNA vaccines are being injected into livestock and companion animals which was allowing the mRNA vaccine to enter your body when you consume these vaccinated animals.
While this technology is approved and being used in human vaccines, no such approval has passed for cattle. According to the NCBA's Director of Policy Communications, Hunter Ihrman, research on mRNA vaccines for use in livestock has been ongoing for more than a decade. Suggestions can be made that at some point, these vaccines maybe available for use in US cattle but not at present time and not before significant layers of government review and approval occur. He also shared this additional information from the NCBA's veterinarians:
Regardless of the vaccine technology, the components of vaccines are 'digested' or broken down by immune cells after they are give. As a result, the components do not persist in animal tissues for long periods of time.ears.
No vaccine currently licensed in the US for administration to cattle were produced using mRNA technology.
Currently there are no mRNA vaccines licensed for use in cattle in the US. New prescription vaccines in swine can use RNA of specific viruses, which is similar to mRNA vaccines, but not exactly the same.
Regardless of the vaccine technology, the components of vaccines are 'digested' or broken down by immune cells after they are give. As a result, the components do not presist in animal tissues for long periods of time.
Following the withdrawal times on vaccine labels helps to ensure that meat from vaccinated animals is safe to consume.
So What About Golden Belt Beef? Does It Contain mRNA?
We get asked this question on a regular basis and I'm here to tell you, even if mRNA vaccines were approved for use in cattle, the beef that ends up on your plate from our stores, would NOT be vaccinated with it! We pride ourselves with supplying our customers with top quality beef that comes from healthy, Kansas Angus cattle. Our families and our employees families consume the same product that is available to each of you and we stand behind our beef!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Safe?
We hope that all of you reading this post today only eat Golden Belt Beef but in the event a few have stumbled across us and are concerned about the beef your purchasing, here are some tips:
If possible, purchase from a local farm/rancher. Here at Golden Belt Beef we are happy to help you with any purchases you may need to make and we can ship for you as well!
Ask questions! Any producer should be able and willing to answer any questions you have about the source of the product they are selling. If they aren't willing to answer your questions or you don't feel comfortable with the answers, find a new producer.
Do your research! Social media is a fact of life these days and it is easy to believe the catchy headline or meme that pops up when you scroll. Don't take everything you see there at face value. Do your research. Ask the questions.
Rest easy when you have a juicy steak from Golden Belt Beef on your plate that your purchase is top quality, mRNA free, mouth watering BEEF!