At least 1,000 people in Michigan have been sickened in an ongoing outbreak of cyclospora, a heat-loving parasite, as similar illnesses crop up in 28 other states. The outbreak follows the CDC's decision to stop federal surveillance of cyclospora in July 2025, around the same time the Trump administration began defunding health agencies under the guise of government efficiency.
FoodNet Program Cutbacks
Before July 2025, a collaborative CDC program called FoodNet helped federal and state regulators track eight foodborne pathogens, including cyclospora. Surveillance of campylobacter, listeria, shigella, vibrio, and Yersinia was also cut. FoodNet now only monitors Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. A list of CDC talking points seen by NBC News last summer blamed funding for the program's drastic cutback. “Funding has not kept pace with the resources required to maintain the continuation of FoodNet surveillance for all eight pathogens,” the talking point read.
A CDC spokesperson at the time downplayed the cuts, suggesting state health departments could pick up the slack. The CDC did not immediately respond to HuffPost's request for comment late Friday. Colorado, one of the participating states, said it would cut back its surveillance accordingly and is now experiencing its own cyclospora outbreak.
Human Impact
“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” Reba Pousma, a Denver resident who likely has cyclospora, told CBS. “I’m on day five now of going to the bathroom over 40 times a day, and nothing has been solid.”
Craig Hedberg, PhD, a professor at the University of Minnesota, disagreed with the CDC's claim that FoodNet was duplicative. “The disturbing thing about cutting FoodNet funds is that it normalizes the idea that foodborne disease surveillance is expensive and unimportant,” Hedberg told the school's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. “In fact, it is the foundation of our food safety system, and needs further investments, not restrictions.”
Broader Consequences
In addition to the cyclospora outbreak, Trump administration cutbacks have also brought back a flesh-eating parasite, accidentally fired scientists managing the bird flu outbreak, accidentally fired FDA medical device reviewers, and pulled research funding to protect pregnant women from domestic violence, among other things.
