FDA lays off bird flu leadership, among steep cuts to senior veterinarians

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has seen a significant loss of senior leadership and key personnel, including those responsible for managing the response to the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) crisis in animals. These cuts are part of a broader reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move has raised concerns within the veterinary community regarding the nation's ability to monitor and respond effectively to emerging animal health threats.