COVID-19 information

This page is for COVID-19 related information, as well as changes to programming and events by and with Iowa Beef Center and will be updated as we receive information. Events will be updated as changes occur and will be removed after they're held.

Information

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will accept applications beginning May 26. The USDA program website describes the program, who can use it, which agricultural products are covered, and how to prepare for application. Be sure to check the FAQ file (updated as necessary) in the resources section.

Animal Susceptibility to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • Animal tests for COVID-19 in Iowa: If you have a suspected case of COVID-19, state veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand recommends you follow the procedures for a foreign animal disease investigation.(Scroll down to Additional Resources) Veterinarians should report any issues to either the State Veterinarian or State Public Health Veterinarian or the USDA Area Veterinarian In Charge (AVIC). Once the information regarding the case is received and evaluated, a determination will be made if the animal will be tested.
  • Rapid review of literature (non peer-reviewed) focused on 1)pets and livestock with human COVID-19;, and 2) evidence of fomite potential of pets and livestock, done by Annette O'Connor of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, formerly with Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Systematic Reviews for Animals & Food website.
  • Testing companion animals and livestock for COVID-19 in Minnesota. At this time there is no evidence to suggest any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people. (Minnesota Board of Animal Health)
  • Two separate preliminary studies done with pigs and other animals demonstrated that swine are RESISTANT to infection with the COVID-19 virus.

COVID-19 not transmitted by food
Jim Roth, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health and distingished professor in Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at ISU, told KCCI-TV that COVID-19 is not transmitted by food, and meat products from processing plants is safe. (0:30-2:37)

Terry Houser, ISU Meat Lab director and Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension, reminds consumers that purchasing meat products from grocery stores or directly from a meat processor can be assured those products are safe. Even though meat processing facility employees may come down with illness, that does not mean the food is unsafe.

 

Iowa State University Resources

Center for Agricultural and Rural Development

ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation

ISU Research Farms COVID-19 protocols

Iowa Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Programming and event changes

BQA sessions

  • July 28, 7-9 p.m., Spencer, 4-H Exhibits Building, Clay County Fairgrounds.
    RSVP to 712-262-2264. Questions? Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu 
  • Aug 4, 1-3 p.m., Orange City, ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, Basement Meeting Rooms 2 & 3.
    RSVP to 712-737-4230. Questions? Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu 
  • Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-noon, Orange City, ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, Basement Meeting Rooms 2 & 3.
    RSVP to 712-737-4230. Questions? Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu 
  • Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, Rock Rapids, Forster Community Center.
    RSVP to 712-472-2576. Questions? Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu 
  • Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Le Mars, Convention Center (Lower Level).
    RSVP to 712-546-7835. Questions? Contact Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu 

 

Other programs