The Trump administration is seeing two of the three federal research projects on cyclospora—a foodborne parasite that has sickened thousands this summer—shut down after Congress did not appropriate funding in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act. According to a Politico report cited by Reuters, the two projects were defunded earlier this year, and the third is slated to relocate from Maryland to Iowa this fall as part of a broader USDA reorganization.
While the remaining project retains its budget, USDA scientists working on the parasite have collectively refused to move to Iowa. The report, which draws on internal documents and sources familiar with the plan, says the researchers prefer to retire or leave the agency rather than be reassigned to other work or forced to relocate.
USDA spokesperson John Miller told Politico that “none of the research has been disrupted, and research will continue without disruption,” placing responsibility for the cuts squarely on Congress. “Congress did not appropriate funding for the two BARC research projects referenced in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act,” Miller said, adding that the Agricultural Research Service is working with research leaders to ensure an orderly transition of programs.
The loss of the two projects comes at a critical time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than 17,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 48 states and the District of Columbia, making it one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent U.S. history. CDC officials estimate that an additional 11,844 cases may still require investigation.
Impact on public health and local agriculture
Experts warn that reduced federal research capacity could slow the development of detection methods, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies for cyclospora. The parasite, often linked to contaminated fresh produce, poses a particular risk to farmers, distributors, and consumers nationwide.
State and local agricultural agencies have expressed concern that the funding gap may force them to shoulder more of the research burden. In Iowa, where the remaining project will be moved, university researchers and extension services are preparing to absorb new responsibilities, but they caution that additional resources will be needed to maintain the momentum of ongoing studies.
Congressional response
Lawmakers have not yet offered a clear explanation for the omission in the appropriations bill. Some members of the House Agriculture Committee have signaled a willingness to revisit the funding in future legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting public‑health research that safeguards the nation’s food supply.
In the meantime, the USDA says it will continue to support existing cyclospora research activities and is coordinating with scientific leaders to minimize any operational disruptions. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting American families from foodborne threats, a priority that aligns with the administration’s broader focus on agricultural resilience and public‑health safety.
As the situation develops, stakeholders from federal, state, and local levels will be watching closely to ensure that the nation’s response to cyclospora remains robust despite the recent funding setbacks.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
