Alleged rancher claims dangerous mRNA vaccines are being tested in livestock

In a recent viral video, a man claiming to be a rancher alleges that “live” mRNA vaccines are being tested on livestock, and 26 percent of those tested have had serious adverse reactions. The video claims that the meat from the animals contains “live vaccines.” A conspiracy theorist sharing the video repeats the myth that COVID-19 vaccines force the body to “mass produce the deadly HIV spike protein.”

Recommendation: This video and social media posts about the video promote a number of false claims about the ingredients, safety, and testing of mRNA vaccines. The number of likes, shares, and views elevates the risk. Talking points may emphasize that livestock vaccination to prevent disease outbreaks is one of the oldest forms of vaccination, dating back to the 1700s. Currently, no mRNA vaccines are approved for use in cattle, but some pork producers use mRNA livestock vaccines that have been rigorously tested for safety. Like all livestock vaccines, mRNA vaccines are not transmitted through meat products. The mRNA in vaccines can’t survive inside the body for extended periods and breaks down long before the animals enter the food supply. The only way to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is through a health care provider or pharmacy. Additionally, mRNA vaccines don’t contain live viruses, and COVID-19 vaccines don’t contain any HIV component. The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination prevents severe illness, hospitalization, death, and long COVID.