Scientists concerned over staff cuts by Benjamin Ford
Hat Tip: Delusional Duck - Scientists concerned over staff cuts Saturday, May 31, 2008
Scientists concerned over staff cuts
Workforce trimmed at ag. labs
By C. BENJAMIN FORD Friday, May 30, 2008 Staff writer
A former Maryland Department of Agriculture microbiologist who retired after battling with supervisors over staffing says the workload on scientists at animal diagnostic labs has created a dangerous public health situation.
While the department’s animal health service staff has declined over the past four years, the number of necropsies performed on farm animals annually has grown nearly five times. The number of lab tests performed also has increased by 12,000 a year.
‘‘They have to literally do everything,” microbiologist John Abell said of the remaining staff. ‘‘You have to start a test, and while that is incubating, run to another room for another test. I objected to this for many years. It creates disruption and keeps people from focusing on their job, and makes errors all the more likely.”
The animal health service provides a diagnostic lab as well as field inspections at livestock shows and special sales.
State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus said the Agriculture Department is more efficient than it used to be.
‘‘Over the years budgets have been cut, affecting staff levels and operations,” Hohenhaus said in a written response to questions. ‘‘As a result, we are looking at ways to do business as efficiently as possible and to meet changing agricultural needs in increasingly tough budget times.”
The state has five animal health service labs — in
The animal health program, including scientists and support staff, had 46 full-time positions in fiscal 2000 and is down to 39 now, said Robin Sabatini, chief of staff at the Maryland Department of Budget and Management.
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