U.S. health agencies, including the CDC, paused meetings, travel, and some publications this week under directives from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes canceling a “One Health” call on H5N1 bird flu and a scheduled CDC call with state veterinarians, as confirmed by South Dakota state veterinarian Beth Thompson. No reasons were provided for these cancellations.
HHS issued a memo, seen by Reuters, pausing public communications and documents until reviewed by a presidential appointee. The pause applies through Feb. 1, with exceptions for emergencies. Another directive froze all travel unless travelers were already en route, with exemptions for the Indian Health Service.
The CDC also delayed its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for the first time since 1960. Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden called this a risk to public health. Dr. Jeremy Faust cited NIH sources reporting a halt in funding approvals for scientific and medical research.
HHS clarified that only non-emergency communications were paused, and mission-critical updates would proceed case by case. However, public health experts expressed concern, particularly as H5N1 bird flu spreads in the U.S., with nearly 70 infections reported since April and one death earlier this month.
Despite some communications, such as an FDA drug safety warning issued Wednesday, the cancellations and delays have raised alarm among health officials. The HHS travel and communication freeze marks an unusual step during a presidential transition, with a broad impact not seen since 1960.
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