USDA Faces Criticism For Slow Release Of Bird Flu Data

Illustration shows test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come under scrutiny for its delayed release of critical data related to a bird flu outbreak in cattle. Scientists have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accessibility of the information provided by the USDA.

The USDA confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas almost a month ago. However, the agency's release of genetic sequences and other crucial details has been described as painfully slow by infectious disease experts.