Do you use mRNA vaccines in your ranching practices?
NOPE! We don’t. We want to set your mind at ease that here at Round Valley Ranch we do not use mRNA vaccines in our cattle.
Currently, there is a lot of misinformation circulating the internet and in social media in regard to the use of mRNA vaccines in cattle. We’ve compiled some information for you below with links to the full articles regarding this false claim.
Before we get into those articles let’s answer some important questions.
What are mRNA Vaccines in cattle?
mRNA vaccines in cattle are a type of vaccine that use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to stimulate an immune response against specific diseases. These vaccines work by introducing a small piece of mRNA, which contains instructions for making a protein found on the surface of the targeted pathogen, into the animal's cells. Once inside the cell, the mRNA is translated into the protein, which is then displayed on the surface of the cell. This presentation of the protein triggers an immune response, which leads to the production of antibodies against the pathogen.
Do you vaccinate your cattle? Why?
Round Valley Ranch produces beef which we sell direct to the consumer, you! Our goal is to provide healthy animals for food consumption. In order to keep those animals healthy, thriving and prevent a host of problems we use proven vaccines that have undergone strict safety and quality evaluations. Vaccines are a critical tool in animal health to maintain healthy animals. We work closely with our veterinarian when deciding which vaccines to administer. Vaccines used vary depending on environment, surroundings and health issues.
Here are a couple articles which provide more information.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA): WASHINGTON (April 5, 2023) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released a statement in regard to false information circulating on social media about the use of mRNA vaccines in cattle:
“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.”
AP Article: No, Farmers aren’t required to vaccinate livestock with mRNA vaccines
CLAIM: Farmers and ranchers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: FALSE. There is no mandate in the U.S. that livestock receive certain vaccines and there are no COVID-19 mRNA vaccines licensed for animals, as some online have suggested.
THE FACTS: Both messenger RNA, or mRNA, and RNA are natural, essential components of all living cells. The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA to instruct cells to create a spike protein to fight the disease.
USDA: “There is no requirement or mandate that producers vaccinate their livestock for any disease,” U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson Marissa Perry said in an email. “It is a personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain that way.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said there are no mRNA vaccines approved for cows. All vaccines are given to animals at the discretion of their owners, and there is no change coming to the policy in April 2023, the department said.
Experts also say: there are no animal vaccines currently licensed in the U.S. against any disease that use the same mRNA approach as humans’ COVID-19 vaccines.
Rest assured we'll always do what's best for our customers and our beef!
If you have any further questions please shoot us an email - cindy@roundvalleyranch.us.