Staff and observers worry that the agency may not be prepared for emerging threats including bird flu and insect-borne diseases. Two fired CDC workers had been deployed to Kansas City to help work on a tuberculosis outbreak.

Administration officials told the CDC last month that nearly 1,300 of its probationary employees would be cut, but only approximately 700 to 750 employees ended up receiving termination notices.

The General Services Administration said Tuesday that it is evaluating the potential closure and sale of federal facilities in Kansas City.