USDA reportedly shelves cyclospora research amid relocations and fund cuts
Summary
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is closing two out of three research projects on the foodborne parasite cyclospora due to funding cuts and staff not moving to a new location. The parasite has caused over 17,000 confirmed sickness cases in 48 states and Washington DC during the summer.Key Facts
- Two USDA cyclospora research projects were defunded by Congress earlier this year.
- The third project will move from Maryland to Iowa, but scientists refuse to relocate.
- USDA says research continues without disruption despite funding and staff changes.
- Congress did not provide funds for the two projects in the 2026 budget.
- Some scientists studying foodborne parasites are retiring or leaving the USDA instead of relocating.
- More than 17,000 cyclospora cases were confirmed from May to August 2024.
- At least 11,844 more cases are still being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Cyclospora causes one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks recently in the US.
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