The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is trying to reverse the firing of staffers who worked on the government’s response to bird flu, amidst growing concerns about its spread.

Tens of thousands of workers across the federal government have been told they are losing their jobs, and more layoffs and firings are in the works. The USDA is among multiple health agencies that have faced mass firings.

On Friday, the USDA publicly touted what it called “the first tranche in a series of bold reforms,” including “an aggressive plan to optimize its workforce by eliminating positions that are no longer necessary,” in line with the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Within days, however, the agency sought to reverse some of those firings — particularly those related to its handling of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).