The USDA will expand slaughterhouse testing for H5N1 in beef entering the food supply as a part of its response plan to combat the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle.
Officials say the tests will begin mid-September and urge livestock workers to remain vigilant.
The Print says almost 200 herds in 13 states have contracted the virus since March after it jumped from wild birds to cows.
In May, the USDA tested 109 beef samples from dairy cows sent to slaughter and found bird flu virus particles in one sample.
USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Emilio Esteban says the expanded testing will continue for the rest of this year and focus on dairy cows.
The USDA continues to report that meat and milk are safe for public consumption.
