Screwworm Still Dominates Playa del Carmen Vet Visits Despite Falling Cases

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — More than half of the 110 animal care visits carried out this year by the municipal “Médico Veterinario” program involved livestock affected by screwworm, according to Alejandro López, director of the city’s Agricultural and Fisheries Development department.

López estimated that cases have dropped by more than 50 percent, but said the parasite remains present in the area. As a result, his department will keep running training sessions and support programs for ranchers through the end of 2026.

Medication and sterile flies

Among the planned measures is the supply of medication to continue treating affected animals. López stressed that producers should request veterinary assistance at the first sign of suspicion, since prompt treatment can prevent wounds from worsening and threatening the animal’s life.

He added that the department is in talks with state authorities to request the release of sterile flies in northern Quintana Roo as part of efforts to reduce the screwworm population. The sterile insect technique is used to disrupt the pest’s reproductive cycle.

López said surveillance must continue for both livestock and pets, because both can be affected by the parasite.