Bird Flu Surges as USDA Loses Hundreds of Veterinarians Amid Federal Staff Cuts
As the U.S. grapples with its longest bird flu outbreak in history, critical staff losses at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are raising alarms about the country’s ability to respond to current and future animal disease threats.
A Silent Exodus—Veterinarians Among Thousands Leaving the USDA
In a quiet but sweeping shift within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 15,000 employees have opted for financial incentive programs designed to reduce the federal workforce. Among them are hundreds of veterinarians—public health guardians whose work is essential to protecting animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and responding to disease outbreaks like avian influenza.
Emerging Zoonotic Threat? Mystery Illness in Congo Raises Concerns for Veterinary and Medical Experts
A recent outbreak of an unidentified hemorrhagic fever in northwestern Congo has drawn global attention, particularly from veterinarians, epidemiologists, and public health officials concerned about zoonotic disease transmission. The illness, first detected in three children who consumed a bat, has resulted in over 50 fatalities within just five weeks, with a rapid disease progression leading to death within 48 hours in most cases.
Judge further pauses 'Fork in the Road' resignation offer to federal employees
A controversial resignation offer for federal employees, known as the "Fork in the Road" directive, is now in the hands of a federal judge, leaving thousands of veterinary professionals employed by the government uncertain about their future.
After a hearing today, U.S. District Judge George O'Toole once again delayed the Trump administration's deferred resignation program "until further order of the Court," prolonging the uncertainty for federal veterinarians working at agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Federal Workforce Shakeup Halted Temporarily: Judge Blocks Plan to Downsize Thousands of Government Jobs
In a dramatic turn of events, a federal judge has temporarily blocked a controversial plan to offer financial incentives to federal workers, signaling a major setback for the government's initiative to downsize its workforce. This move, intended to reduce the number of government employees, came under fire from labor unions and sparked widespread concern among public service workers who felt the plan threatened their job security and rights.
Deadline at Midnight? How Mass Resignations Could Endanger Animal Welfare and Public Health
A controversial deferred resignation offer, requiring over two million federal employees to decide whether to resign or risk termination, has sparked nationwide concern. Among those affected are more than 3,000 veterinary professionals working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).