- An agency within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), responsible for protecting the country from invasive pests, has been repeatedly infested with bed bugs at its George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland.
- Employees were first warned of the infestation in mid-May , leading to the building being fumigated and staff initially authorised to work remotely, then again when lingering fumes inside the centre caused sickness.
- Despite previous mitigation efforts, bed bugs were reportedly observed again recently, prompting employees to express frustration and concern about being forced to return to the infested office and potentially bringing the highly invasive pests home.
- The USDA stated that "prompt and robust action" was taken several weeks ago, but personal belongings left in offices caused further issues, and management is now working with employees to ensure spaces are emptied for proper mitigation.
- This situation occurs amidst a push by the Trump administration for federal employees to return to in-office work, and as the USDA faces other significant challenges, including a proposed reorganisation and the threat of the New World screwworm.
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