Screwworm Cases in Cancún Dogs Surge 150% as Pets Arrive in Terminal Stage

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Screwworm cases among dogs in Cancún have surged by more than 150% in the last four months, according to the Municipal Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare, which warns that many pets are only brought to veterinarians when the infestation is already advanced or terminal.

The agency handled about 15 cases per month in May. It is now treating between 38 and 40 cases monthly, said Yuli Lázaro, the institute’s director general. She said the sustained rise has been worsened by the fact that a high percentage of animals arrive when the infection has spread internally, drastically reducing their chances of survival.

Home Remedies Worsen Infestations

Lázaro said one of the main problems is that owners delay professional treatment and instead use home remedies or substances such as gentian violet and hydrogen peroxide.

“In May we had 15 cases, and now we already have 40. So we’re talking about four months in which screwworm cases doubled,” Lázaro said. “Unfortunately, when they come to us, they’re already in a terminal stage. There is nothing left to do for the animal; internally it is completely advanced and has an infection.”

The institute conducts 35 to 38 veterinary consultations per day from Monday to Friday, in addition to responding to emergencies involving stray animals. When myiasis, or infestation, is detected early, the medical protocol includes:

1. Manual and surgical removal of larvae.
2. Deep cleaning and disinfection of the wound.
3. Collection of epidemiological samples for analysis.
4. Prescription of antibiotic and painkiller treatment.

Owners Face Animal Cruelty Charges

Cancún authorities reminded pet owners that providing timely medical care is a legal obligation. When an owned animal arrives in an extremely negligent condition, the institute can carry out home inspections to assess the environment and check whether other animals are at risk.

If neglect or animal cruelty is confirmed, the agency takes custody of the animal and files a complaint with the State Prosecutor’s Office of Quintana Roo to determine criminal responsibility. The same procedure applies to people who abandon infested dogs on the streets.

Authorities urged residents to take pets with any suspicious skin wound to a certified veterinarian immediately and avoid home treatments that could put the animal’s life at risk.