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The Trump administration has intervened in the release of significant scientific reports on bird flu, as the virus continues to spread across the United States. Among the delayed studies are two critical pieces of research that could have shed light on how the virus is transmitted to veterinarians and even pets.
The studies were slated for publication in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) official journal, which has been in continuous publication since 1952. The halt was imposed following a memo issued by Dorothy Fink, acting secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ordering an “immediate pause” on all communications intended for publication. The memo mandates that such documents be reviewed and approved by presidential appointees before being released, effectively stalling research efforts. This action came on President Donald Trump’s first full day in office.
The MMWR is a key resource for disseminating scientific findings to the public, and the interruption of its publishing process has raised concerns among former CDC officials. “MMWR is the voice of science,” said Tom Frieden, former CDC director. He described the decision to impose a political review on the journal as unprecedented. “This idea that science cannot continue until there’s a political lens over it is unprecedented,” added Anne Schuchat, former CDC deputy director.
One of the studies affected by the delay was set to examine whether veterinarians treating cattle may have unknowingly been infected by the H5N1 bird flu virus. The research, led by Fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, involved blood samples from 150 veterinarians, collected in September. The study aimed to better understand how the virus spreads from cows to people and its potential impact on public health. However, Gingrich confirmed that the results could not be released as planned due to the federal directive.
The second study, which was also delayed, focused on potential cases where people working in Michigan’s dairy industry may have infected their pet cats with the bird flu virus. The research was particularly concerning as it suggested the possibility of animal-to-human transmission, raising alarms about the broader implications for animal health and public safety.
The unexpected interruption of the MMWR has caused frustration and concern among public health experts. “It would be the equivalent of finding out that your local fire department has been told not to sound any fire alarms,” Frieden said, emphasizing the dangers of delaying vital health communications.
Both reports are critical in understanding the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has already led to 67 confirmed cases in the U.S., primarily linked to exposure to cows and poultry. Despite the apparent risks of delaying these publications, the CDC remains hopeful that the studies will be released soon. A source within the CDC indicated that the MMWR might be on hold until at least February 6, but this timeline remains uncertain.
The halt in scientific publishing comes amid growing concerns about the Trump administration’s previous interference with CDC reports, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressional investigations revealed that political appointees at HHS had attempted to control and manipulate scientific reports to align with political agendas, a move that some experts see as a dangerous precedent for public health research.
Despite the challenges, Gingrich and other stakeholders remain committed to continuing their work and ensuring that crucial studies reach the public as soon as possible. “We’re an apolitical organization,” Gingrich said, underscoring the importance of maintaining open communication channels with federal health agencies during a public health crisis.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a report by KFF Health News and is distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals cited and do not necessarily reflect the views of KFF Health News or Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
