CDC Pauses Testing for Rabies, Mpox & Other Diseases Due to Staffing Issues

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has temporarily paused diagnostic testing for several infectious diseases, including rabies and mpox, amid what officials describe as a “routine review” and following significant staff reductions. The move, which affects more than two dozen types of tests, has raised concerns among public health experts about potential gaps in disease surveillance.

The CDC posted a list this week detailing the tests that are currently unavailable, but the exact reasons for the widespread pause remain unclear. According to Scott Becker, chief executive officer of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the CDC is pausing more kinds of tests than ever before. “This is not the first time the CDC has paused some of its lab testing,” Becker said, “But it is pausing more kinds of tests than ever before, and it is not totally clear why.”

Andrew Nixon of the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, characterized the pause as temporary, attributing it to “a routine review to uphold our commitment to high quality laboratory testing.” He added, “We anticipate some of these tests will be available through CDC labs again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, CDC stands ready to support our state and local partners to access the public health testing they need.”

Staffing Shortages and Past Issues

The pause in testing comes after a period of significant downsizing at the CDC, with staffing levels falling by an estimated 20% to 25% in the past year due to layoffs, retirements, resignations, and the nonrenewal of temporary appointments. The poxvirus and rabies labs reportedly lost approximately half of their previous staff, and the agency’s malaria branch was significantly reduced, according to the National Public Health Coalition, an organization comprised of current and former CDC employees.

The CDC’s laboratory operations were previously criticized during the COVID-19 pandemic and were subsequently reviewed by a work group. The agency has been evaluating its testing procedures since 2024, but staffing issues are also believed to be a contributing factor to the current situation.

Rising Rabies Cases and Other Affected Diseases

The suspension of rabies testing is particularly concerning given recent reports of rising rabies cases across the U.S., driven in part by shrinking natural habitats and improved surveillance. Wild animals in over a dozen locations have shown an increase in the disease.

In addition to rabies and mpox, testing for other infectious diseases has also been temporarily halted, including Epstein-Barr virus and varicella zoster virus. Disease tracking for mpox and other common viruses has also been temporarily suspended.

Expert Concerns and Potential Impact

The decision to pause testing has prompted worry among public health officials. Experts fear that the testing may not resume quickly, especially given the staffing challenges the CDC is currently facing. The lack of readily available testing could hinder the ability to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks of these diseases.

“This is not the first time the CDC has paused some of its lab testing. But it is pausing more kinds of tests than ever before, and it is not totally clear why.”

Scott Becker, chief executive officer of the Association of Public Health Laboratories

While the CDC maintains its commitment to supporting state and local partners in accessing necessary public health testing, the temporary suspension raises questions about the agency’s capacity to effectively monitor and respond to infectious disease threats. The situation underscores the importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure and workforce development.

The CDC has not provided a specific timeline for when the paused tests will be restored, but officials have indicated they anticipate resuming some testing in the coming weeks. The agency continues to evaluate its testing procedures and address staffing concerns to ensure the continued quality and reliability of its laboratory services.