We came across multiple posts on X claiming that members of the Biden administration fabricated the bird flu outbreak to inflate poultry and egg prices. These posts specifically allege that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector Phyllis Fong ordered the culling of millions of healthy birds under the false pretence of a “mutating bird flu.” Collectively, these posts have accumulated nearly 100,000 views.
The recent surge in bird flu cases across the U.S. has significantly impacted egg prices, with the cost of a dozen eggs reaching a record high of US$4.95 on 13 February 2025, up from US$3.00 per carton a year ago.
The egg price crisis has fuelled frustration, and speculation that the bird flu outbreak was fabricated has become a major source of misinformation and disinformation.
Earlier this month, some social media users alleged that bird flu was fake because it had only been reported in domesticated poultry and livestock, not wild animals like ducks, geese, or eagles. However, this was quickly debunked after bird flu was confirmed in deceased ducks and wild birds at zoos across New York City.
The claim targeting Phyllis Fong, a career civil servant, has not only gained traction but also exhibited patterns resembling astroturfing, warranting a closer analysis.
What is astroturfing?
According the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE), astroturfing generally refers to an “attempt to create an impression of widespread grassroots support for a policy, individual, product, cause of idea where such support does not exist previously”. The Singapore-based organisation, which was conceived to build regional resilience against cyberattacks, disinformation and misinformation threats in South East Asia by facilitating real-time exchange of cyber threat intelligence and disinformation trends among ASEAN defence agencies, highlights that malicious actors may employ astroturfing to plant false narratives designed to deepen social fractures, erode trust in public institutions, and undermine national unity.
A key hallmark of astroturfing is coordinated inauthentic behaviour, where multiple accounts engage in synchronised activity. This coordination can manifest in different ways. A report by ACICE cited a 2022 study that uncovered possible astroturfing by the South Korean National Intelligence Service during the 2012 South Korean presidential elections. The suspected accounts displayed unusual posting patterns, with activity peaking during work hours—contrasting with general social media usage, which typically increases after office hours.
Another indication of astroturfing is the uniformity of messaging. In the recent case involving Phyllis Fong, we observed that the language, messaging, and visuals in numerous posts were strikingly similar—suggesting a level of coordination beyond organic discourse.
What is the claim?
The new claim circulating online alleges that Phyllis Fong, the former Inspector General of the USDA, was central to fabricating the bird flu outbreak to justify the mass culling of poultry.
Phyllis Fong was the first Inspector General of the USDA, serving from December 2002 until her departure in early 2025. During her tenure, she oversaw audits, investigations, and enforcement actions across multiple administrations, ensuring accountability within the USDA, especially in food safety and agricultural regulations.
However, misinformation and disinformation networks have recently targeted her with false claims, attempting to link her departure to an alleged conspiracy to artificially inflate poultry and egg prices.
Examining the posting patterns
A closer look at the online activity surrounding this claim reveals patterns that appear consistent with astroturfing. Many accounts repeatedly shared the same accusation—almost verbatim—falsely alleging that Phyllis Fong was arrested for her role in a price manipulation scheme.
Timestamps show that a significant number of these posts appeared within a 48-hour window, a pattern typical of coordinated disinformation campaigns. Additionally, similar claims have been spreading with increasing frequency in recent days, further suggesting an organised effort to amplify false information.
The truth about Phyllis Fong’s departure
Contrary to the viral claims, Phyllis Fong was not arrested or forcibly removed due to a conspiracy. Reports indicate that she was escorted out of her office in January 2025 after refusing to comply with a White House directive terminating her employment. This move came as part of the broader transition efforts under the new administration.
While her departure was contentious, there is no credible evidence linking it to an orchestrated bird flu hoax or any criminal activity. Likewise, there is no credible evidence that Fong ordered the mass culling of healthy birds in order to inflate poultry and egg prices. Hence, the claim that the Biden administration fabricated the bird flu outbreak to drive up poultry and egg prices is false.
Astroturfing is a growing concern globally. In September 2024, the discovery of a Chinese disinformation network known as ‘Spamouflage’ raised concerns about foreign interference in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election. Similarly, intelligence reports suggest that the German elections may be plagued by interference from Russia, using bots and astroturfing to sow distrust among voters.
With elections in Singapore on the horizon, it is crucial to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation. Recognising tactics like astroturfing could help distinguish genuine public discourse from coordinated manipulation. Staying informed and critically assessing sources are key to safeguarding against the spread of false narratives.
