Trump-Led CDC Silence Could Hobble California’s Bird Flu Response, Experts Warn

Infectious disease specialists are warning that the Trump administration’s decision to pause all external communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could have significant consequences for California’s ability to respond to the evolving bird flu outbreak.

The pause, announced yesterday, includes halting health advisories, weekly scientific reports, updates to department websites, and social media posts.

“It’s almost like turning off the smoke alarm or the fire alarm in your house,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert, underscoring the vital role the CDC plays in public health coordination. “You hope that the fire doesn’t come, but if it does, you wouldn’t get that signal or alarm that something is amiss.”

The CDC plays a crucial role in aggregating data across the country. Three new CDC reports on bird flu were on track for release this week, and now it’s unclear when they will be released, according to reporting published by STAT.

“Bird flu is rapidly evolving, and we need federal data to get a big-picture view of what’s happening across the country,” Chin-Hong said. “That information is critical for coordinating responses at the state and local levels, and ultimately for how we communicate with patients and the public.”

Since the outbreak began, 38 residents have tested positive for an infection in California. Most cases stem from direct contact with sick cattle. The virus has infected 712 of the state’s more than 1,100 dairy facilities, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The timing of the CDC pause adds urgency to an already precarious time of year.

“We’re not just dealing with bird flu,” Chin-Hong said. “It’s also respiratory virus season, and we’re seeing emerging threats globally, like the Marburg virus. Delays in federal guidance could fragment responses, reduce effectiveness, and ultimately cost lives.”

The California Department of Public Health tried to reassure residents in a statement.

“California will continue to work collaboratively with our federal partners to ensure that families in our state are healthy and our communities are vibrant places to live and work,” the CDPH said. “While we don’t typically speculate on the potential impacts of a new federal administration, we remain committed to protecting Californians’ access to the critical services and programs they need.”

The San Francisco Department of Public Health responded similarly by email.

Chin-Hong warned that state-level actions, while critical, cannot fully replace the coordination and resources provided by federal agencies.

“We can have local data, but only the CDC can produce a high-quality, nationwide picture of what’s happening,” he said. “They bring together human health experts, veterinarians, and the Department of Agriculture to coordinate responses, particularly for something as complex as bird flu.”

According to Chin-Hong, one recent example highlights the importance of timely federal coordination: the CDC’s investigation of a Louisiana bird flu case, which stemmed from backyard birds rather than large poultry operations. One person who was infected died earlier this month.

“That discovery quickly changed how we thought about risks,” Chin-Hong said.

California’s public health infrastructure, including agencies such as the CDPH, offers some insulation from federal disruptions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state often acted independently to implement strict public health measures and disseminate guidance.

“California is one of the best places to be in moments like this,” Chin-Hong said. “We have strong local public health agencies and like-minded individuals committed to science-based responses. But borders are porous. Without federal coordination, the ripple effects of delays will be felt across the country, including here.”