Bacteria Analysis Suppressed

Dr. James Zahn, a former USDA research microbiologist, reported being prohibited on at least 11 occasions from publicizing findings on antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the air near hog operations in Iowa and Missouri. Despite the USDA's stated mission to address human health in swine production, Zahn was barred from presenting his research at 2002 scientific conferences, with supervisors citing the need for discretion on "politically sensitive and controversial issues." This suppression is linked to a February 2002 USDA directive requiring prior approval for research on "sensitive issues," including agricultural practices with negative health and environmental consequences such as global climate change and animal feeding operations.

• Dr. James Zahn was prevented from publicizing his research on airborne bacteria from farm wastes on at least 11 occasions, including being barred from presenting at scientific conferences in 2002.
• Zahn's research identified significant levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the air surrounding hog confinement operations located in Missouri and Iowa.
• The USDA implemented a February 2002 directive requiring staff scientists to obtain prior approval before publishing or speaking on "sensitive issues," which specifically included global climate change and agricultural practices with negative health or environmental impacts.
• Zahn alleged that the USDA censors controversial research through extended approval processes, prevents publication in scientific journals, and collaborates with industry groups to suppress unfavorable results.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2005). Bacteria Analysis Suppressed. https://www.ucs.org/resources/attacks-on-science/bacteria-analysis-suppressed

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Bacteria Analysis Suppressed. 2005. https://www.ucs.org/resources/attacks-on-science/bacteria-analysis-suppressed.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Bacteria Analysis Suppressed |date=18 February 2005 |url=https://www.ucs.org/resources/attacks-on-science/bacteria-analysis-suppressed |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2005bacteria, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Bacteria Analysis Suppressed}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2005}, month = feb, url = {https://www.ucs.org/resources/attacks-on-science/bacteria-analysis-suppressed}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }