The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking to reverse the recent firing of employees critical to addressing the H5N1 bird flu outbreak. Firings were part of mass reductions ordered by President Trump and Elon Musk aimed at government downsizing. Despite unclear rehiring specifics, officials emphasize the urgent need to maintain personnel involved in disease coordination. The outbreak has seen infection in numerous birds and some dairy cows, leading to significant economic repercussions like egg shortages. Experts warn of mounting public health risks, making the reinstatement of terminated employees crucial.
The terminations immediately impacted our ability to coordinate the disease response, Dr. Poulsen said. They're walking that back, which is a huge relief to the lab network.
The news comes as scientists and public health officials express growing alarm about the virus, which is known as H5N1... infected at least 69 people.
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