WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture confirmed that it’s looking to retract termination offers made to people working for the agency that could assist with the federal government response to ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

“Although several positions supporting HPAI were notified of their terminations over the weekend, we are working to swiftly rectify the situation and rescind those letters,” a USDA spokesperson said to MEAT+POULTRY.

The agency noted that several job categories at the USDA, like veterinarians, animal health technicians and other response personnel, have been exempt from personnel actions that support HPAI efforts.

“USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service frontline positions are considered public safety positions, and we are continuing to hire the workforce necessary to ensure the safety and adequate supply of food to fulfill our statutory mission,” the USDA spokesperson added.

According to APHIS data, in the last 30 days, 102 commercial flocks were tested and confirmed with HPAI, which has affected more than 23 million birds.

In recent weeks several federal agencies including the USDA have announced jobs cuts particularly to people designated as probationary employees who usually have less than one or two years of experience in current positions.

After confirmation last week new Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins commented on the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and how it plans to move forward with its process.

“I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster and more efficient,” Rollins stated on Feb. 14. “I will expect full access and transparency to DOGE in the days and weeks to come.”