OMAHA, Neb. — The Agriculture Department is in the process of rehiring several personnel who played a crucial role in managing the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has significantly impacted egg and poultry producers over the last three years.
These individuals were part of a larger group of federal employees whose positions were cut based on recommendations from billionaire Elon Musk’s initiative aimed at enhancing government efficiency, a move consistent with former President Trump’s commitment to streamline federal operations.
Republican Representative Don Bacon has voiced concerns regarding how these personnel reductions are being implemented. He expressed, “While President Trump is addressing opportunities to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within government operations, DOGE must take meticulous care with its decision-making. Downsizing efforts need to be carefully considered in order to maintain essential services,” representing a balanced district in Nebraska.
The bird flu crisis has led to the culling of approximately 160 million birds since it emerged in 2022, primarily affecting egg-laying hens, which has contributed to a staggering rise in egg prices now averaging $4.95 per dozen. The federal government has allocated close to $2 billion for response efforts, including around $1.2 billion directed towards compensating farmers for their lost livestock.
A spokesperson for the USDA indicated that the department remains focused on tackling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), noting that critical positions such as veterinarians, animal health technicians, and emergency response staff involved in the initiative were retained amid cuts. However, some employees from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service faced layoffs.
“While several positions within APHIS related to HPAI received termination notices recently, we are taking prompt action to amend this and rescind those notifications,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Reports from sources suggest that the eliminated roles were associated with oversight of the national laboratory network crucial for detecting bird flu and other animal diseases for the USDA. However, it is still uncertain how many staff members will be invited back and whether any held positions at the central USDA lab located in Ames, Iowa.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized the decision, stating, “As farmers already contend with the bird flu outbreak, and the public grapples with soaring prices, it is the last thing this administration should do to eliminate these vital roles. The USDA needs to restore these essential positions without delay.”
Officials from the Trump administration revealed earlier this week that the USDA may consider a revised strategy for handling the bird flu outbreak, potentially allowing for alternatives to the mass culling of infected flocks. However, specific details regarding this new approach remain unclear.
