Screwworm Outbreak Hits 65 Quintana Roo Cattle

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Livestock producers in southern Quintana Roo have intensified surveillance and cattle care efforts following a rise in screwworm cases, primarily in the municipalities of Othón P. Blanco and Bacalar. According to the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural, and Fisheries Development (SEDARPE), the state has confirmed 65 cases, prompting heightened alerts within the livestock sector to prevent further spread.

Coordinated Efforts to Contain Outbreak

Carlos Rodríguez García, president of the Regional Livestock Union in Quintana Roo, emphasized the importance of vigilance among ranchers.

“We continue working because livestock producers must be cautious and monitor their herds. If a case is detected, we treat the wounds, administer medication, and have veterinarians who visit the field to address reports,” Rodríguez García stated.

Upon receiving reports from producers, veterinarians conduct cattle inspections, followed by bathing and deworming as part of the sanitary protocol. This process helps determine whether additional cases exist within a ranch for further treatment.

Authorities and livestock associations have also established coordination with neighboring states, Campeche and Yucatán, to contain the outbreak and prevent further escalation. The collaboration aims to strengthen prevention strategies and rapid response measures while awaiting a more effective nationwide action plan. Currently, Chiapas remains the only state where sterile flies have been released as a biological control method to curb screwworm proliferation.

No Reported Livestock Deaths Due to Timely Intervention

Despite the surge in cases, Rodríguez García confirmed no livestock fatalities have been recorded, attributing this to prompt medical intervention and ongoing preventive measures.

He urged ranchers to report any suspicious symptoms and maintain biosecurity protocols in their production units to mitigate risks.

The screwworm, a parasitic larvae that infests open wounds in livestock, poses significant economic and health risks to cattle populations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further outbreaks in the region.