The Agriculture Department is currently in the process of rehiring several workers who were previously involved in the government's response to the bird flu outbreak that has significantly impacted egg and poultry farms over the past three years. These workers were among the thousands of federal employees who were let go based on recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, as part of President Trump's efforts to streamline the federal government.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon emphasized the importance of careful consideration in implementing these cuts to ensure that critical missions are preserved. The bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has resulted in the culling of approximately 160 million birds, primarily egg-laying chickens. This has led to a surge in egg prices, reaching a record high of $4.95 per dozen on average. The federal government has allocated nearly $2 billion towards the response, including compensating farmers for their losses.
A USDA spokesperson stated that the department remains focused on responding to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and has safeguarded key positions such as veterinarians, animal health technicians, and emergency response personnel involved in the effort. However, some employees of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service were impacted by the cuts.
Efforts are underway to rectify the situation and rescind termination letters for several APHIS positions supporting HPAI. Reports indicate that the eliminated jobs were part of an office overseeing the national network of labs crucial for confirming cases of bird flu and other animal diseases. The exact number of workers being rehired and their specific roles, including any potential impact on the main USDA lab in Ames, Iowa, remain unclear.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar expressed concern over the elimination of these positions, stressing the urgency of rehiring essential personnel to address the bird flu crisis promptly. Trump administration officials hinted at potential changes in the approach to managing the outbreak, suggesting that mass culling of flocks may not be necessary in the future. However, detailed plans regarding this shift have yet to be disclosed.
