The FDA’s Veterinary Medicine Center (CVM) experienced significant staff cuts, with key personnel overseeing avian flu responses being fired. The cuts, totaling over 130 positions, were ordered by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and affected nearly all leadership within the CVM. This center is responsible for regulating animal drugs and food safety across various species. Among those dismissed were two senior veterinarians who played major roles in handling avian flu investigations and managing pet disease complaints. Dr. Hillary Marston, the FDA’s chief medical officer, who coordinated avian flu responses, was also let go. While compliance officers and drug reviewers remain, FDA officials noted the reduction left critical gaps, such as lack of managerial oversight for safety alerts and external lab testing. Reports indicate that the FDA had previously announced multi-stage recalls of pet food contaminated with avian influenza. Additionally, the CDC did not experience cuts but was set to integrate the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) as part of the restructuring. The USDA has not initiated similar cuts, instead offering early retirements to staff.
Source link
