Yucatán Battles Screwworm with Bat Sweep

YUCATÁN, Mexico — Authorities have stated that cases of screwworm in the state are under control, despite recent alarm within the livestock sector and the general population following the confirmation of two human infections. Officials are now preparing a coordinated sweep against bats to reduce the risk at its source.

Risk to Humans and Animals Downplayed

Edgardo Medina Rodríguez, the Secretary of Rural Development, denied claims that the screwworm poses a mortal danger to infected animals and humans. He characterized the condition in animals as a treatable myiasis, effectively managed with a product called Negasunt, which he described as "magic."

Regarding human cases, Medina Rodríguez stated that the infection is equally treatable. He emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene and keeping wounds clean. The two confirmed human cases of screwworm, one in Izamal and another in Progreso, have already received medical treatment. Both individuals were attended to at the O’Horán hospital, and the State Secretary of Health is actively involved in the response.

“Those who say that infected animals are no longer useful and must be sacrificed are lying,” Medina Rodríguez stated. “It is a treatable myiasis; we are in the 21st century. In the past, we were able to treat it, and now even more so.”

Current Case Count and Strategy

The head of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (SADER) reported that, to date, there are 384 registered cases of screwworm, acknowledging that other unreported cases may exist. He noted that this increase in cases is expected to continue as long as animals have open wounds.

Medina Rodríguez reiterated that the entire medical team contracted to address the situation is yielding positive results, with infected animals recovering without issue. He confirmed that work is now underway on a bat sweep operation.

Details of the Planned Bat Sweep

As part of a more forceful strategy to combat the screwworm, an agreement has been reached with the UGROY and the UGRY to initiate a sweep to capture the bats responsible for wounding livestock, as the parasitic infection requires an open wound to occur.

Medina Rodríguez detailed that the operation will involve corralling animals into enclosures to concentrate the bats in a specific area. The bats will then be captured, bathed in a special liquid, and released to return to their cave, where they will subsequently die. This measure aims to break the cycle of infection at its source.