Mérida, Yucatán — The State Government of Yucatán has announced that 94 new cases of screwworm have been detected across 37 municipalities, all of which are now inactive due to timely intervention and coordinated actions with the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica) to guarantee livestock health and safety.
The State Government, through the Secretariat of Rural Development (Seder), reported that the permanent prevention and control actions carried out in coordination with Senasica have successfully contained the new cases. Seder detailed that these cases correspond to 75 bovines, ten canines, six pigs, two sheep, and one horse, bringing the state's cumulative total to 306 cases.
Municipalities with recent reports include Tekax, Chapab, Kopomá, Muxupip, Tunkás, Buctzotz, Ticul, Izamal, Dzoncauich, and Mérida, each reporting two cases. One case was reported in each of the following localities: Peto, Maní, Tetiz, Mama, Kinchil, Maxcanú, Cacalchén, Cenotillo, Acanceh, Progreso, Tekit, Muna, Temax, Dzilam González, Tahmek, Hoctún, Yaxcabá, and Calotmul.
Furthermore, four cases were reported in each of the municipalities of Tzucacab, Oxkutzcab, Kantunil, and Tecoh; while nine cases were reported in each of Temozón and Panabá. Sucilá presented five cases, Espita three, and Tizimín a total of 14.
The agency specified that the lesions detected in the animals were located on different parts of their bodies, with the animals' ages ranging from three days old to 18 years, demonstrating the broad vulnerability of the affected species.
Currently, 59 municipalities in the state are affected, with bat bites being one of the primary causes of infection. To address this problem, bat capture operations will be conducted in coordination with Senasica to prevent the spread of the pest.
Seder maintains various control and prevention actions, including surveillance at phytosanitary verification points, training for producers on the proper care of animal wounds, the distribution of medical supplies to agronomists, biologists, and veterinarians, as well as the application of free treatments and visits to affected ranches.
The agency urges all producers to report any suspicion of screwworm via the telephone line 800 751 21 00, by WhatsApp at 55 39 96 66 42, or through the Avise application, to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
These actions are part of the comprehensive strategy to protect animal health in Yucatán and reduce the impact of the Cochliomyia hominivorax pest on warm-blooded animals.
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