The US Department of Agriculture is ending two research projects that study cyclospora, a foodborne parasite that has sickened thousands of people across the United States this summer. The reported decision comes during one of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in recent US history and has raised new concerns about food safety research. Reports said Congress did not provide funding for two cyclospora research programs at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland for the 2026 fiscal year. The funding cuts mean the projects will close, while a third research program will move from Maryland to Iowa as part of a wider USDA reorganization. The USDA said the funding decision was made through the Agriculture Appropriations Act passed by Congress. A department spokesperson said research has not been disrupted and that work will continue during the transition. The spokesperson also said the Agricultural Research Service is working with research leaders to ensure an orderly move for the remaining program. The relocation has created another challenge for the research effort. Reports said all scientists who currently work on cyclospora have decided not to relocate to Iowa. Instead, many researchers are retiring, leaving the agency, or moving to other projects rather than continuing with the relocation. The loss of experienced scientists could affect years of research on the parasite. Cyclospora research often depends on long-term studies that help experts understand how the parasite spreads through food and how outbreaks can be prevented. Replacing trained researchers may take time. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the digestive system. People usually become sick after eating contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water. The illness is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is known as cyclosporiasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than 17,000 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases between May 1 and August 24. Cases have been reported in 48 states and Washington, DC, making the outbreak one of the largest foodborne illness events in recent years. The CDC also said another 11,844 reported cases still require investigation and analysis. Officials said the final number of infections could increase as health departments review additional reports and complete laboratory testing. People infected with cyclospora often develop watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms usually appear about one week after exposure and can last for several weeks without proper treatment. Health experts say fresh fruits and vegetables are common sources of cyclospora outbreaks because the parasite can remain on produce before it reaches consumers. Washing produce helps reduce risk, but public health officials continue to investigate the exact sources linked to this year's outbreak. Food safety research plays an important role in identifying contaminated foods, improving testing methods, and helping officials respond quickly to outbreaks. Scientists also study how the parasite survives in farming and food processing environments and how contamination can be prevented before food reaches stores. The USDA said the remaining cyclospora research program will continue after its move to Iowa. The department maintains that research activities will not stop during the transition and that efforts are underway to keep the program operating smoothly. However, reports about the departure of researchers have raised questions about the future of cyclospora research within the agency. Scientists with years of experience in foodborne parasite research are reportedly choosing retirement or other positions instead of relocating. Federal health officials continue to monitor the outbreak across the country. Investigations into confirmed and suspected cases remain active as authorities work to identify sources of contamination and prevent additional infections. The CDC advises people to wash fresh produce carefully, follow safe food handling practices, and seek medical care if they develop symptoms that may be linked to cyclospora infection. Officials say updates on the outbreak will continue as more cases are investigated and confirmed.