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USDA reports staffing pressures and promotes biosecurity incentives as part of multi-state response
Summary
USDA Veterinary Services told the commission it lost local staff during the shutdown, is planning hires to support potential screwworm response, and reported uptake in voluntary biosecurity assessments and cost-share options for producers.
A USDA Veterinary Services representative briefed the Texas Animal Health Commission on local workforce changes tied to recent federal personnel actions and described federal biosecurity incentive programs available to producers.
Dr. Collins said local USDA field offices experienced about a 20% reduction in staff since January, driven by early-out and voluntary separation programs, and that the agency has requested term and permanent hires to fill field veterinarian and technician positions to support both routine services and potential new world screwworm operations. "We've lost about 20% of our workforce since January," he said, and added that USDA is planning hires and term positions to support a nationwide screwworm response.
He also reviewed three USDA biosecurity assessment programs: mandatory audits for infected premises seeking future indemnity eligibility, a voluntary assessment that qualifies producers proactively, and a wildlife-focused assessment. To date, the office reported 39 requests for these assessments and noted available cost-share funding for remediation (USDA may cover up to 75% or $25,000 for eligible improvements).
Dr. Collins described impacts of the federal shutdown on operations and credited field staff for catching up on backlog work after the lapse in appropriations. He also reported that his office had submitted dozens of suspect screwworm fly samples to the national lab for identification and that turnaround from sample receipt to lab result was rapid.
The briefing was informational; commissioners thanked USDA staff and requested additional staffing details for a future meeting.
