USDA Accidently Fires Bird Flu Officials

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that several employees working on the nation’s bird flu response were accidentally terminated over the weekend. The incident has raised concerns about continuity in efforts to contain the highly contagious avian flu, which has already impacted millions of poultry nationwide.

In a statement released Tuesday, the USDA acknowledged the mistake, citing it as an administrative error. “We are working swiftly to rectify the situation and rescind the termination letters for officials who are considered to be frontline public safety workers,” said a USDA spokesperson.

The accidental firings affected staff who play a critical role in monitoring, containing, and mitigating the spread of bird flu, a virus that has contributed to egg shortages and rising poultry prices across the country. With the bird flu outbreak continuing to threaten agricultural stability, the USDA is prioritizing the reinstatement of these key workers to prevent any disruption in the response efforts.

The bird flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of millions of birds since 2022, remains a significant concern for both public health and food security. Experts emphasize that quick action is vital to preventing further spread and minimizing economic impact.

Stay updated with NBC Palm Springs for the latest on this developing story.