First Screwworm Case in José María Morelos: Farmers Alert

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — Academic authorities from the Intercultural Maya University of Quintana Roo (UIMQROO) have confirmed the first detected case of screwworm in the municipality of José María Morelos, specifically in the community of San Isidro Poniente, raising alarms in the local livestock sector.

Detection and Immediate Response

The report was confirmed by Edward Emmanuel Brito Estrella, Coordinator of the Agroecological Production Systems Engineering program at UIMQROO. He explained that the discovery was made possible by a university student who, during a visit to her home community, identified an anomaly in a bull owned by her family. The presence of larvae in a wound on the animal prompted immediate notification to the relevant authorities.

"On June 11, we received the report of the suspected case, and the appropriate protocols were activated. Sanitary authorities were informed, and after confirmation, specialists were dispatched to the community to train producers," Brito Estrella stated.

Concerns Over Livestock Movement

Although this is an isolated case with no larger outbreaks detected, the presence of screwworm—a pest that threatens animal health and causes economic losses for livestock farmers—has raised concerns. Brito Estrella urgently called on livestock producers in the municipality to verify the origin of the cattle they purchase, particularly if the animals come from other states with higher infestation rates.

"There are regulations for livestock movement, and it is essential to comply with them. There is evidence that some producers are purchasing animals from outside the municipality without proper controls, which may have facilitated the introduction of this pest," he warned.

Role of University Fieldwork

Brito Estrella emphasized the importance of fieldwork conducted by university students, who maintain direct contact with rural communities and have proven to be an effective channel for early agricultural and livestock surveillance.

To date, no new cases have been reported, but active monitoring continues through community liaisons. The presence of screwworm, though currently contained, serves as a clear warning of the risks posed by lax sanitary controls in livestock transportation.

Academic authorities reiterated their willingness to collaborate with producers to prevent the spread of this pest and protect the municipality’s livestock assets.