The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) resumed publishing after a two-week hiatus, but three highly anticipated H5N1 avian influenza papers were delayed. The delay is due to a communications pause issued by the Trump administration that affects public communications until February 1.
The CDC previously published studies on the health effects of wildfires in Hawaii and Los Angeles. However, the hold-up of the H5N1 papers comes as new developments with the virus have emerged. The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that a more severe genotype of the virus (D1.1) had been detected in dairy cattle.
Additionally, the World Organization for Animal Health reported detecting another subtype of avian influenza (H5N9) in California. Virologists raised concerns that this could lead to reassortant viruses.
Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, a former CDC director, warned that the delay puts healthcare professionals behind the information curve and less prepared to protect public health. The pause is also linked to Trump administration policies, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates, which have made it challenging for CDC workers.
The delay highlights concerns about the impact of administrative actions on scientific research and public health communication.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/birdflu/114116