USDA cyclospora research projects shelved amid funding cuts and relocations, Politico reports

The Trump administration is discontinuing two of the three USDA research initiatives focused on cyclospora, a foodborne parasite responsible for infecting thousands of Americans this summer, according to Politico. The two projects were cut by Congress earlier this year, while the third is set to be relocated from Maryland to Iowa as part of a wider USDA restructuring, the report revealed.

Although the third project is still funded, all researchers involved have refused to move to Iowa, Politico reported, citing individuals familiar with the plans and internal documents. The USDA has not yet confirmed the report. A USDA spokesperson informed Politico that no research has been interrupted, and research will proceed uninterrupted, blaming Congress for the funding reductions.

The USDA spokesperson cited Congress's failure to allocate funding for the two BARC research projects mentioned in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act. The USDA's Agricultural Research Service is collaborating with research leaders to ensure a smooth transition of programs, the spokesperson added. Many scientists specializing in foodborne parasites, including cyclospora, are either retiring or leaving the USDA's ARS rather than relocating or being reassigned to other projects.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had documented over 17,000 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 48 states and the District of Columbia, making it one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent U.S. history. The CDC also noted that at least 11,844 additional cases may need further investigation and analysis.