Massive layoffs by Musk and Trump could jeopardize the fight against avian influenza

As outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu raise growing concerns in the United States, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) mistakenly fired several employees engaged in combating the epidemic, thereby compromising the federal response to this health crisis.

The agency is now attempting to reverse these layoffs as soon as possible in order to not compromise food security and the management of the epidemic.

These job cuts are part of a wave of massive layoffs orchestrated by the Trump administration, with the support of billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The stated goal is to reduce the size of the federal administration, but these decisions directly affect strategic positions for public health and national security.

The confusion surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk has intensified in recent days as laid-off nuclear security employees were recalled. However, they were unreachable due to a lack of updates to their contact information, thereby jeopardizing the security of the United States, according to many experts.

According to a dismissed employee who wished to remain anonymous, these actions jeopardize sensitive files related to national security. 

These errors occur as avian influenza continues to devastate poultry farms in the United States, leading to a spike in egg prices. Some restaurants have even refused to serve them until further notice.

Key agencies, such as the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Service, have been affected by these recent layoffs, weakening the scientific and logistical response to the spread of the virus.

Some specialized laboratories, essential to avian flu research, have also undergone staff reductions, fueling concerns about the national situation.

The Agriculture Committee of the House of Representatives, responsible for overseeing the USDA, sought to inform the lawmakers regarding the frustration caused by the blatant lack of information from the Trump administration and the controversial decisions made by Elon Musk in these matters.

Representative Don Bacon strongly condemned the DOGE’s haste in these reckless decisions, asserting that they result in costly and ineffective corrections rather than carefully crafted planning.