USDA Cyclospora Research Disrupted by Funding Cuts and Relocation, Report Says

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is shutting down two of its three research projects dedicated to studying the foodborne parasite cyclospora, which has caused thousands of illnesses across the country this summer, according to a report from Politico on Sunday.

Research Projects Shelved

The move stems from a congressional decision earlier this year to defund the two projects, the report stated. A third, and final, USDA project on the parasite is slated to be relocated from Maryland to Iowa this fall as part of a wider departmental reorganization.

However, the viability of this remaining project is in question. Citing internal documents and people familiar with the matter, Politico reported that all scientists currently working on the cyclospora research have declined to move to Iowa. This has raised concerns about a potential loss of critical expertise and a halt to all federal research on the parasite.

USDA Response and Broader Impact

A USDA spokesperson told Politico that "none of the research has been disrupted, and research will continue without disruption." The spokesperson attributed the funding cuts to Congress, stating that it "did not appropriate funding for the two BARC research projects referenced in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act."

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The spokesperson added that the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is coordinating with research leaders to ensure an orderly transition. The report also noted a broader trend of scientists specializing in foodborne parasites retiring or leaving the ARS rather than relocating or accepting reassignments.

Context of a Major Outbreak

The disruption comes as the U.S. faces one of its largest recent foodborne illness outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded more than 17,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

An additional 11,844 cases are under investigation, according to the CDC. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, often linked to contaminated fresh produce.