Agriculture groups correct false claims about mRNA livestock vaccines

Livestock organizations are pushing back against incorrect statements online claiming cattle and pigs are given mRNA vaccines. One article available at bit.ly/3oCFyu1 on the website, Truth Press, reported cattle are given mRNA vaccines and if consumers eat this meat, the mRNA vaccines will enter their bodies.

The science of mRNA vaccines has become commonly known throughout the world since the release of the COVID-19 vaccines as two of them—Pfizer and Moderna—use this technology. Also known as messenger RNA, mRNA is a genetic material that tells the body it is administered to how to make certain proteins, which then triggers an immune response.

Due to the inaccuracy of these statements and the fear associated with the content, organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association denounced these claims and NCBA issued a statement to correct what it is calling falsehoods.

“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,” the statement read.

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].