Yucatán Screwworm Cases: 850+ Animals Recovered

Mérida, Mexico — The Secretary of Rural Development (SEDER) has reported that Yucatán accounts for only 10 percent of the screwworm cases registered nationally. The agency stated that 959 cases have been recorded in the state to date, of which more than 850 have fully recovered as a result of veterinary medical follow-up and the free application of the official care protocol.

The head of the Secretary of Rural Development, Edgardo Medina Rodríguez, stated that permanent actions for the control and prevention of the screwworm are being maintained, in close coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) of the Government of Mexico and the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica).

He specified that since last March 5, these institutions have been working jointly with livestock organizations in the state, including the Regional Livestock Union of the South (UGRY) and the Regional Livestock Union of the East of Yucatán (Ugroy). This collaboration has contributed to the early detection of cases, the dissemination of preventive measures, and direct communication with producers.

He recalled that, as part of this comprehensive strategy, SEDER has conducted informational talks, distributed printed materials, and delivered supply kits to producers to strengthen the prevention and control of the screwworm in the municipalities.

"Currently, 26 veterinarians are deployed in the field for the immediate attention of reports, implementing sanitary cordons of between 20 and 40 kilometers in accordance with international biosecurity protocols," he stated.

State authorities reiterated that livestock producers receive free and immediate attention for any suspected case, that the commercialization of livestock continues normally, and that there is no risk to the population or to meat consumption.