Source: Devdiscourse
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing significant challenges following the resignation of hundreds of veterinarians, lab workers, and support staff during the Trump administration’s workforce reduction efforts. These departures have severely impacted the agency’s ability to respond to animal disease outbreaks, particularly during the ongoing, record-setting bird flu crisis and the emerging threat of screwworm from Mexico. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which handles disease response, has lost 1,377 employees, raising concerns about slower investigations and emergency responses.
Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith warned that the staffing shortfall could hinder effective containment and surveillance. The bird flu outbreak has already devastated poultry populations, leading to soaring egg prices. While cases have eased, experts anticipate potential flare-ups during migratory seasons. The mass exodus of skilled Veterinary personnel has left the USDA under-resourced at a time when swift action is critical to protecting the nation’s food supply and animal health.