The US Department of Agriculture is taking steps to address a recent issue where termination letters were mistakenly sent to workers involved in the bird flu response efforts. Last week, animal health technicians and veterinarians received these letters, causing concern and confusion among the workforce.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from the USDA stated that the agency is actively working to revoke these termination letters. The USDA emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and ensuring that essential personnel, such as veterinarians, animal health technicians, and emergency response staff, are exempt from any personnel actions that could disrupt the ongoing efforts.
Despite the initial notifications of terminations that were issued over the weekend, the USDA is moving swiftly to rectify the situation and rescind the letters sent in error. This development comes amidst a series of firings across various government agencies that commenced last week.
It is crucial for the USDA to maintain a strong workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by HPAI and other animal health priorities. By acknowledging the importance of retaining skilled professionals in this field, the USDA aims to ensure continuity in its response efforts and uphold the welfare of poultry and other affected animals.
