Mexico reports 200 new cattle screwworm cases in 6 states

Mexico — Mexico has reported 200 new cases of cattle screwworm across six states, including 16 infected animals in the Yucatán Peninsula—one of which was detected in Yucatán—according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, WOAH published six reports, one for each affected state, though seven southeastern states in Mexico have been impacted by the parasitic fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, whose larvae are known as cattle screwworm.

Outbreak Spreads to Livestock Destined for Meat Supply

In Chiapas, authorities have even detected infected animals in lots of cattle and horses intended for meat supply. The infestation poses a significant threat to livestock health and agricultural trade in the region.

The WOAH reports highlight the urgency of containment measures to prevent further spread of the parasite, which can cause severe tissue damage and death in affected animals.

The cattle screwworm outbreak remains a critical issue for Mexico’s agricultural sector, with authorities monitoring the situation closely to mitigate its impact.