The ongoing bird flu outbreak in the United States has intensified concern among public health experts, veterinarians, and federal agencies as the response to the epidemic becomes increasingly disjointed. Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, several reports suggest that the U.S. government’s response to the crisis has been undermined by a breakdown in communication and coordination, primarily within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The timing of these disruptions is alarming, as the outbreak continues to worsen, infecting both people and livestock across the nation, with fears growing that the virus could mutate to enable person-to-person transmission.
The outbreak, which began in 2022, has already caused significant damage, with approximately 159 million birds—primarily chickens and turkeys—being affected. This has led to skyrocketing egg prices, which has in turn undermined Trump’s promises to lower costs for American consumers. The virus, which has already infected nearly 70 people and led to the death of one individual, continues to spread rapidly, sparking growing concerns about its potential to cause a larger-scale health emergency. The outbreak is now deemed the largest animal health crisis in U.S. history, affecting both public health and the nation’s food supply.
Under the previous administration, the federal government had engaged in regular communication with state officials and industry groups to manage the bird flu threat. However, the Trump administration’s approach to public health communication has been characterized by a significant breakdown in the flow of information between federal agencies, state health officials, and the public. For example, since Trump’s inauguration, the CDC has withheld important bird flu reports, including two weekly reports on bird flu transmission and surveillance, which would have been used by local health officials to better manage the crisis.
These reports, which are typically part of the CDC’s routine updates to local health departments, have been delayed or omitted altogether due to what has been described as an “unusual and lengthy” review process. According to internal sources, one of the withheld reports was related to bird flu infections in cats, which were found to have contracted the virus despite having no access to the outdoors. Another report concerned wastewater surveillance in Oregon near poultry and dairy farms. This communication breakdown is seen as a critical failure in the response to an epidemic that has already claimed human and animal lives.
The withholding of such reports has alarmed experts, with epidemiologist Arthur Reingold from the University of California, Berkeley, expressing disbelief at the decision to slow down or delay the release of vital information. “It’s just extraordinary, frankly, that we would slow down or delay or impede that kind of communication,” he said. Health officials and clinicians rely on these reports to understand the nature of the virus, its spread, and the best ways to protect public health.
The situation has been further complicated by Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). This withdrawal has limited the U.S. government’s access to critical information about global outbreaks, including those involving bird flu. As the U.S. has increasingly isolated itself from international health bodies, communication with experts in other countries and information sharing has been severely hampered. This lack of communication and collaboration comes at a time when public health experts are calling for a more coordinated response to the bird flu outbreak.
Scott Prendergast, the director of the WHO’s health emergencies team, noted that the U.S. has not participated in recent WHO meetings regarding influenza strains, including H5N1, the bird flu strain that is causing the current outbreak. As a result, global experts have been left without key insights into the U.S. response to the epidemic. This lack of participation and transparency in international health discussions could hinder efforts to track and control the spread of the virus, both within the U.S. and internationally.
On the state level, officials in Minnesota have also reported difficulty obtaining crucial information from the USDA regarding bird flu testing programs. State authorities had requested information from the USDA about a program designed to increase testing of turkeys, but their inquiries were met with delays and a lack of responses. The state’s Board of Animal Health, which is responsible for overseeing the health of livestock, was left in the dark about the status of this program, leaving local farmers and producers vulnerable to the spread of the virus.
This uncertainty has been compounded by the Trump administration’s proposal to freeze federal funding, which has further added to the confusion. Shauna Voss, the interim assistant director of Minnesota’s Board of Animal Health, expressed concern about the impact of these disruptions on farmers who rely on timely and accurate information to protect their livestock and ensure the safety of the food supply. “That certainly chaotic messaging can trickle down to the state level and ultimately can impact our farmers who produce our food,” Voss said.
The administration’s apparent disregard for the urgency of the situation has sparked outrage among experts and public health advocates. The refusal to promote effective communication, along with the halt in crucial bird flu reports and lack of coordination, has left many fearing the worst. With the outbreak now affecting more people and animals, there is growing concern that the lack of timely information will prevent state officials from effectively responding to the crisis. This disruption in communication also undermines efforts to educate the public on how to protect themselves and their communities from the disease.
For federal staff, the confusion surrounding the bird flu response is not just frustrating—it is a matter of public safety. The USDA and CDC, both of which are integral in tracking and managing outbreaks, are now seen as unable to fulfill their primary functions. As the situation continues to escalate, the lack of coordination and failure to address the crisis head-on could result in more illnesses, more deaths, and further economic instability as egg prices remain high and poultry production is disrupted.
In a broader sense, the Trump administration’s approach to public health has left many experts questioning the federal government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the bird flu outbreak. The absence of clear messaging, the delay in critical reports, and the refusal to engage with international health organizations reflect a troubling trend in how public health emergencies are being handled under Trump’s leadership. Without effective communication and collaboration at the federal, state, and international levels, the risk of the bird flu outbreak becoming a more severe public health crisis is very real.
Despite these setbacks, there are still efforts at the local level to control the spread of the virus. New Orleans, Louisiana’s largest city, has already implemented measures to protect public health, including promoting vaccination and educating the public about flu prevention. Local health departments continue to urge residents to take precautions against the bird flu, especially as the virus continues to spread in neighboring states.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. With bird flu infections on the rise, both in animals and humans, the U.S. government must prioritize public health and animal welfare over political ideology. Communication, collaboration, and transparency are essential to managing this epidemic and preventing it from spiraling into a broader crisis. If the Trump administration fails to address these issues, the consequences will likely be felt for years to come—both in terms of public health and the integrity of the U.S. food supply.
The bird flu outbreak is far from over, and without a clear, unified response, the U.S. may find itself facing an epidemic that could have been prevented. The time to act is now, before the situation worsens beyond control. Only through open communication, coordinated efforts, and a serious commitment to public health can the U.S. begin to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life. The American public, as well as health officials and experts, are counting on their leaders to put aside political concerns and focus on the urgent need to protect the health of the nation.
