Staff Exodus at U.S. Farm Agency Weakens Bird Flu Defense

As the United States battles its longest bird flu outbreak, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contending with a significant staffing shortage. According to sources, the USDA's animal disease unit has lost 16% of its staff under the Trump administration's workforce reduction initiatives, spearheaded by Elon Musk. This exodus includes the loss of hundreds of veterinarians and support staff, leaving the agency less equipped to handle animal disease outbreaks.

With New World screwworm detected among cattle in Mexico and a bird flu virus that continues to infect both dairy herds and poultry, the strain on resources is palpable. Kansas's animal health commissioner Justin Smith expressed concerns over reduced response times and diminished capabilities to fulfill regulatory, investigative, and preparedness duties.

The continuously shrinking workforce now requires remaining personnel to have all purchases above $10,000 approved by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, potentially adding significant delays. Of particular note is that 20-30% of personnel from a critical USDA lab that tests for diseases like bird flu have also departed.

In states like New Mexico, the loss of USDA support staff has forced state workers to take on additional responsibilities. State veterinarian Samantha Holeck stresses the need for teamwork amidst these challenges, even as the full impact of these staffing changes remains unclear. Meanwhile, Beth Thompson, South Dakota’s state veterinarian, warns that the federal government may not have sufficient personnel to aid states, emphasizing the significance of the bureaucratic shifts.