USDA Confirms It’s Working to Reverse Terminations of Fired Bird Flu Workers

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The agency aims to keep public safety positions filled during the flu battle, which has led to the culling of hens and sky-high egg prices.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on Feb. 19 that it is working to reverse terminations of workers who were responding to the bird flu epidemic that has swept the United States in recent months.

A spokesperson for the USDA told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement that it will still “prioritize the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza,” a type of bird flu known as HPAI that has forced the culling of tens of millions of egg-laying hens in recent months and has sickened nearly 70 people.

Meanwhile, job categories such as animal health workers, veterinarians, and emergency response personnel have been “exempted from the recent personnel actions to continue to support the HPAI response and other animal health priorities,” the spokesperson said.

“Although several positions supporting HPAI were notified of their terminations over the weekend, we are working to swiftly rectify the situation and rescind those letters,” the spokesperson said. “USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service frontline positions are considered public safety positions, and we are continuing to hire the workforce necessary to ensure the safety and adequate supply of food to fulfill our statutory mission.”

The terminations come amid the Trump administration’s moves to downsize the federal workforce and reduce the size of the government, which prompted a lawsuit and court hearing on whether the government can initiate mass firings. Union groups sued the Trump administration, arguing that the moves run counter to Congress’s power of the purse.

Meanwhile, the bird flu outbreak has caused egg prices to skyrocket to an all-time high of $4.95 per dozen in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for eggs shot up 15.2 percent month-over-month, the data show.

A spokesperson for Trader Joe’s said customers are currently restricted to buying one carton of eggs per day at all locations around the United States. Other retailers such as Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Aldi, have imposed similar limits in some areas. Some chains such as Walmart have placed caps on bulk purchases, such as 60-count cartons, to prevent shortages.

By Jack Phillips

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

250 Countdown

Those 56 intrepid men who signed put their very lives, honor and fortunes on the line. There was no auto-quill to accommodate their signatures. 

How the Senate Parliamentarian Changed the OBBB

An unelected bureaucrat does a important job in the U.S. Senate. Elizabeth MacDonough enforces senate rules on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”.

Bioterror Roundup: CDC Director Nominee Is a Monster + New mRNA Pregnancy Studies

Bioterror Propaganda Roundup: The latest updates on the “new...

The Sacred Honor of the 56

Today we're celebrating the sacred honor of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Alligator Alcatraz: A Bold Step Toward Secure Borders

Alligator Alcatraz funded through FEMA, represents a decisive move by the Trump admin to address illegal immigration with efficiency and resolve.

New White House Faith Office Aims to Ensure US Is Beacon of Freedom for Others

The White House Faith Office wants to see the United States as the leader in advancing religious freedom, its faith director Jennifer Korn said.

Federal Reserve Rates Are Too High, Says Former World Bank Chief

Rates should be between 0.25 and 1.75 percent rather...

Newly Naturalized Citizens Say What American Freedom Means to Them

Nearly 820,000 people pledged allegiance to the United States and became naturalized citizens in 2024.

Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

DHS Sec Kristi Noem waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas.

US Keeps Pressure on Chinese Goods Amid Vietnam Trade Deal

Transshipping—rerouting goods through a third country to disguise the origin of the products—is a focal point of trade negotiations with Asian markets.

White House Report Reveals Top Earners, Staffers Working for No Salary

The Trump admin released its yearly report that shows the salaries for White House staffers, also revealing officials who aren’t accepting salaries at all.

Transportation Secretary Urges Governors to Remove Political Messages From Crosswalks, Intersections

Duffy sent letters to governors, mayor of D.C., and gov of Puerto Rico urging them to remove political messaging from intersections and crosswalks.

Bessent: US, India Near Agreement to Lower Tariffs

The United States and India are “very close” to a trade agreement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.
spot_img

Related Articles