Screwworm Outbreak in Quintana Roo: No Federal Plan

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — The state of Quintana Roo has recorded more than 235 cases of screwworm in 2025, yet it is not among the states where the federal government plans to release sterile flies as part of a biological strategy to contain the pest. This was confirmed by Jorge Aguilar Osorio, head of the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural, and Fisheries Development (Sedarpe), who stated that the infections remain controlled with no reported livestock deaths, thanks to coordinated work with producers in the central and southern parts of the state.

Active Cases and Lack of Reporting in the Livestock Sector

The official detailed that 27 cases are currently active. However, he acknowledged that the actual figure could be higher because some livestock owners have stopped reporting new infections.

"People are no longer reporting because they have learned the protocols for treating the animals. There have been no deaths, and we continue with the dynamic of moving cattle out of the state to the central and northern parts of the country," Aguilar Osorio stated.

The head of Sedarpe also admitted that a segment of the sector has reduced notifications due to a perception that the federal government is focusing its efforts on states with higher infection levels.

"We believe that some producers have stopped notifying because they do not see actions from the federal authorities, and the most affected states are being attended to first," he said.

Areas with Highest Incidence in Quintana Roo

Aguilar Osorio detailed that the infections are concentrated primarily in Othón P. Blanco and Bacalar, which account for between 60% and 70% of the cases. José María Morelos is another municipality under permanent surveillance.

The official emphasized that, unlike other larvae, the screwworm requires immediate attention to prevent its spread, and he called on livestock owners to maintain detection and treatment protocols.

Sterile Fly Release: No Date Set for Quintana Roo

Although preliminary exercises are underway in Yucatán to install a sterile fly production laboratory, Aguilar Osorio clarified that there is no defined plan or date for implementing the method in Quintana Roo.