The Threat of a Government Without Independent Science and Research
I’ve had conversations recently with trusted advisors and friends about navigating the recent socio-political pressures facing our businesses, partners, employees, and customers given recent presidential executive orders, appointments, and restrictions. Strategic planning requires us to make some predictions and apply a certain probability of occurrence. One comment from a friend was especially clear…
"Science is a threat to fundamentalists."
It was a reminder of just how fluid and delicate science and research can be when their results contradict authority, at any level, especially our own, and how that risk threatens us all.
It’s important to recognize that not all leaders see contradictions as threats. In a republic that promotes diversity, opposing positions can be informative and provide important perspective. Unfortunately, as of the date of this article, leaders in our Federal Government are adamantly opposed to diversity practices, and that poses a significant threat to our republic—our health, economy and industry—as well as the global community.
Lessons of History
History offers many sobering lessons about the cost of sidelining science. As recently as the mid-20th century, the Soviet Union embraced Lysenkoism, a pseudo-scientific agricultural policy rooted in ideological conformity and a political campaign rejecting the evidence of research and natural selection. The result? Massive crop failures and widespread famine, suffering, and deaths. Also, 3,000+ mainstream biologists were dismissed or imprisoned, and numerous scientists were executed in the Soviet campaign to suppress scientific opponents. When political agendas override scientific integrity, the fallout is real and devastating.
Another significant health-related lesson is the U.S. government's delayed response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. As the epidemic spread, scientific research and public health warnings were largely ignored due to stigma and political inaction. Funding for research and treatment was initially scarce, and misinformation fueled fear rather than solutions. It wasn’t until activists, scientists, and affected communities pushed relentlessly for action that policies changed, leading to major advancements in treatment and prevention. Science denial and political hesitation will cost lives, but advocacy and persistent evidence-based communication can drive meaningful change.
Threats of Today
Fast forward to February 2025, H5N1 bird flu has caused significant outbreaks among poultry, dairy cows, and wild birds, with over 130 million birds affected in the U.S. Human infections remain rare, primarily occurring in individuals with direct exposure to infected animals, such as poultry and dairy workers. The virus has been detected in a variety of species, including mammals like foxes, skunks, and seals, raising concerns about its potential to adapt to new hosts.
In December 2024, the U.S. reported its first severe human case of H5N1 in Louisiana, highlighting the virus's potential threat to human health. Given the virus's current behavior, experts assess that the risk of sustained human-to-human transmission remains low, but they continue to monitor for any changes.
Over the next 1-2 years, if the virus continues to spread among animal populations, the likelihood of sporadic human infections may increase, especially among those in close contact with affected animals. Enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures will be crucial to detect and control outbreaks promptly, aiming to prevent the virus from acquiring mutations that could facilitate human-to-human transmission.
Public health agencies should consider stockpiling vaccines and antiviral medications as precautionary measures, should the situation escalate. Continuous research into the virus's behavior, transmission dynamics, and potential mutations will inform preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the risk of a more widespread outbreak. While the immediate risk to the general public remains low, but vigilance and proactive measures are essential to manage the evolving situation effectively.
The current White House administration has made its intent to pause or cease public communications from critical federal health agencies very clear. Pandemic events from 2020-2021 put Mr. Trump’s previous leadership position at odds with those agencies, which he continues to assert was an attempt to subvert his authority and ultimately cost him the election in 2020. The CDC’s weekly Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) was paused as soon as the new administration assumed control. As of this article’s date, the MMWR and the pause issued to all public health agencies’ public communications have not resumed.
Threats of Tomorrow
Several societal, environmental, and economic factors could significantly alter the spread of H5N1 and H5N9 to humans through underestimated disease vectors and transmission routes. It’s imperative that we consider many possible futures in order to recognize the threats and necessary actions to avert them, regardless of their probability.
Industrial Agriculture and Factory Farming
Expansion of large-scale poultry and livestock farming, especially mixed-use farms (e.g., poultry and dairy together). Increased viral spillover from birds to mammals like cows, which humans interact with more frequently. Aerosolized particles in dairy settings could become an underestimated transmission route.Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
Rising temperatures, habitat destruction, and shifting bird migration patterns. Wild birds carrying the virus may be forced into closer contact with human-populated areas, increasing the chance of indirect transmission through contaminated water sources or urban wildlife.Global Travel and Mass Migrations
Post-pandemic rebound in global travel and refugee crises from conflicts or natural disasters. The movement of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals could introduce the virus to new populations, especially in densely packed transportation hubs.Poor Occupational Protections for Farm and Slaughterhouse Workers
Relaxed or reduced regulations in agricultural and meat-processing industries regarding protective equipment and sick leave policies. Workers repeatedly exposed to infected animals may serve as the initial bridge for zoonotic transmission, as seen in past influenza pandemics.Lack of Routine Surveillance in Dairy and Swine Industries
Limited or delayed testing for H5N1 in non-poultry agricultural sectors, especially dairy and pig farms. Potential underestimation of mammalian adaptation, which could result in missed opportunities to detect human-compatible mutations early.Biotechnological Advances and Laboratory Risks
Accidental or intentional release of high-risk avian flu strains from research labs. If gain-of-function research (enhancing virus transmissibility for study purposes) is mishandled, an accidental exposure could lead to an early-stage outbreak.Social Misinformation and Distrust in Public Health Response
Pandemic fatigue and skepticism toward government health recommendations. Delayed reporting, resistance to vaccinations, and rejection of containment measures could accelerate undetected community spread.
While current risk assessments continue to place human-to-human transmission as low, these underestimated vectors could increase spillover potential. Effective surveillance, improved agricultural biosecurity, and public health engagement will be critical in preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in human populations.
Despite the challenges, there are more reasons for hope. Science has always faced remarkable odds. Protecting and promoting science isn’t just about preserving knowledge, but also safeguarding the human spirit of curiosity, innovation, and resilience.
The road ahead isn’t easy, but it’s navigable. We can imagine and create futures where science continues to thrive, not in isolation, but as an integral part of our shared story. If public science and research are threats to extremists and fundamentalists, then our road is clear…
We need more public science and research.
