General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCan Covid-19 spread via beef consumption?
The WHO website says that "thoroughly cooking meat and eggs" helps limit the spread.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
The US Dept. of Labor site says:
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in people. Coronaviruses circulate among animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/medicalinformation.html
Answer from the WHO:
No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
Can humans become infected with Covid-19 from an animal source?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Rarely, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.
To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
herding cats
(19,564 posts)Which kind of crushes my soul to even type.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) doesn't exist in beef.
Renew Deal
(81,855 posts)It's currently not an issue. Not sure why the US Gov't wrote that the way they did.
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Can I catch Covid-19 from my pet?
No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
Can humans become infected with Covid-19 from an animal source?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Rarely, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.
To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
herding cats
(19,564 posts)Don't french kiss a camel because MERS (while true, it's a dark joke). Also, don't hang out in icky live animal markets where they slaughterer per order endangered species.
Your linked resource is excellent! Thank you.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,490 posts)We already know humans can be carriers without showing symptoms or getting sick, so why not suspect the same of animals?
I really doubt if the WHO has scientific proof that it does not happen in pets or farm animals because it takes extensive testing to make that claim. WHO has been totally occupied in dealing with the human tragedy.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)These are probably all Trump's people in the Dept of Labor now, I wouldn't pay much attention to what they have to say.
The WHO is saying 'meat' in general ... worldwide, that can mean just about any critter.
I've not heard of any of our commonly eaten animals getting COVID-19 but I'm not an expert.
If the CDC issues warnings to this effect, I'll worry about cooking my beef to 'well' ...
herding cats
(19,564 posts)I'm, not nitpicking, but there's also rhinovirus (most common) and RSV (in children under 2).
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)herding cats
(19,564 posts)Zero documentation, it's way too early for such, but it's being discussed if we've had one in the past some years, it may help us with this novel virus. Kind of like how a flu shot helps us even if it missed the strain, to extremely over simplify the topic.
No one knows for sure yet, but it's a nice thought.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,490 posts)processed fresh meat being contaminated with virus from the packing house workers, most of which are poor and can't afford to take off work and isolate.
Just like bacteria, I suspect viruses could live quite some time if placed in say, fresh chilled ground beef......
As you said, make sure it's well cooked to kill all bugs, but also use extra care while handling.
safeinOhio
(32,673 posts)Am I safe?
Renew Deal
(81,855 posts)safeinOhio
(32,673 posts)Then again, Ohio wasn't all that safe.
Captain Zero
(6,802 posts)Haha.
safeinOhio
(32,673 posts)Thank God.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,490 posts)............
safeinOhio
(32,673 posts)just like chicken.