Mexico Strengthens Central American Efforts Against Screwworm

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), through its National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA), is bolstering Central American veterinary systems to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm. The initiative targets reducing screwworm populations in Nicaragua and pushing them southward toward Panama, aiming to protect livestock production in the region.

During a webinar organized by the Mexican Milk Producers Association (AMLAC) and the Central American Federation of the Dairy Sector (FECALAC), Javier Calderón, Director, SENASICA, emphasized the need for regional collaboration to combat the screwworm, which poses significant threats to livestock, wildlife, and public health.

SENASICA activated the National Animal Health Emergency Device (DINESA) in July to implement preventative measures, marking the first time this emergency response has been used to address absent pests. The screwworm, which feeds on animal wounds, presents a major threat to the region's agricultural and public health systems.

In response to this threat, Mexico is providing Central American nations with over 90,000 packets of larvicides and wound-healing powders to support containment efforts. SENASICA is also working with local producers to ensure timely treatment of livestock wounds and monitor animal movement from Mexico’s southern border.

Abelardo de Gracia, Regional Director of Animal Health, Regional International Organization for Plant Protection and Animal Health (OIRSA), stressed the importance of creating containment zones where producers promptly treat animal wounds, especially those from dehorning or tagging, to speed up healing and prevent the spread of the pest.

Health authorities in Central America are already working with public health agencies to raise awareness of the screwworm threat. Panama reported 62 cases of screwworm infestations in humans, while Nicaragua and Costa Rica reported two and 25 cases, respectively.