According to three sources familiar with the situation, numerous veterinarians, support staff, and lab workers at the animal health division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture have resigned as part of the Trump administration’s push for staff departures. This exodus has resulted in a shortage of specialists available to address animal disease outbreaks. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these departures on the agency’s ability to meet regulatory requirements, conduct disease investigations, and prepare responses effectively.
The reduced staffing levels have also raised worries about slower response times and decreased support for local veterinary needs. The outbreak of bird flu and the detection of New World screwworm among cattle in Mexico have heightened the urgency of the situation. The decrease in USDA veterinary positions has raised concerns about the agency’s capacity to handle disease outbreaks effectively. The decrease in staff has also affected the agency’s ability to conduct disease testing and control.
The resignations are part of a broader trend of USDA employees leaving their positions under President Donald Trump’s incentivized resignation program, which aims to reduce the federal workforce. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, responsible for combating livestock diseases and crop pests, has experienced a significant loss of staff. The departure of employees from the Veterinary Services arm, which plays a crucial role in disease testing and control, has further exacerbated the staffing challenges.
The reduced workforce has raised concerns among state veterinarians about the agency’s ability to respond to ongoing and potential disease outbreaks. The lack of resources could hamper efforts to contain diseases like bird flu, which pose a threat to both livestock and public health. The impact of the staff departures on the agency’s operations and ability to provide support to states has been described as significant.
Despite these challenges, the USDA has not provided a comment on the situation. The loss of experienced staff members and the strain on remaining employees could have long-term implications for the agency’s ability to effectively address animal health issues and disease outbreaks.
Staff reductions have affected around half of the 69-member legislative and public affairs office, responsible for communication with Congress, external organizations, and the media on topics such as bird flu, as reported by a source. In New Mexico, state employees are taking on extra responsibilities following the departure of USDA support staff, according to state veterinarian Samantha Holeck. “The complete effects of these shifts won’t be known right away,” she stated. “The key is for us to collaborate as a team to tackle these obstacles.” (Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington and Tom Polansek in Chicago; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
