Screw Worm Outbreak Hits Playa del Carmen Livestock

Municipal Authorities Reinforce Veterinary Attention and Preventive Actions

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Municipal authorities have reinforced veterinary attention and preventive actions in response to an increase in screw worm cases in livestock units in Playa del Carmen, a plague posing both health and economic risks.

Livestock producers in the municipality are facing a rise in screw worm cases, a plague with national impact that is already affecting livestock units in the region. The Directorate of Agricultural and Fisheries Development confirmed that recent reports have been registered and that municipal technical personnel are conducting direct field attention to contain the spread.

According to Alejandro López, director of Agricultural and Fisheries Development, the problem was alerted months ago by the Federal Government, which instructed states and municipalities to reinforce sanitary vigilance due to the expansion of the plague. In Playa del Carmen, cases have already been documented in different ranches and production units, where the screw worm has mainly affected cattle.

Veterinarians conduct direct field attention to contain the plague. The official explained that, upon each report, a veterinarian goes directly to the site to take samples and apply initial treatments. These materials are sent to the State Government, specifically to the Directorate of Animal Health, which integrates a state database to subsequently forward the information to the federal level. The objective is to maintain updated statistics on the behavior of the plague in the 11 municipalities.

In addition to sample collection, municipal personnel perform treatment of the affected animal through the application of negazún powder and subsequent follow-up to verify its recovery. López emphasized that the attention is not limited to livestock, as the screw worm can also affect domestic animals and even pose a risk to people.

Sanitary vigilance seeks to prevent spread in the state’s 11 municipalities. Regarding the infection mechanism, it was detailed that the screw worm fly deposits its larvae in any open wound. Within a period of three to four days, the larvae transform into worms that begin to reproduce and expand in the affected tissue, making it essential that producers immediately report any worm infestation to avoid greater damage.

The Directorate of Agricultural Development has also initiated preventive talks with livestock producers and ranchers to reduce misinformation and strengthen early detection measures. They are guided on warning signs, management protocols, and the importance of timely communication of any suspected cases.

Producers receive guidance on detection and management of screw worm. Reports can be made in person at the offices of the Secretariat of Economic Development, located on Primera Sur Street with 20, or through the official Facebook page of the department.