Suspected New World Screwworm Case under investigation in Toledo District

Posted: Saturday, December 28, 2024. 6:03 pm CST.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) on Saturday announced the investigation of a suspected case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the southwestern Toledo District. This highly prolific and devastating parasite, Cochliomyia hominivorax, has raised concerns among local producers because of the negative impact the disease can have on the nation’s livestock and the economy.

At the beginning of the month, 50,000 cases of New World Screwworm had been reported across Central America. While Mexico had only reported one case then, this potential detection in Belize is significant as Belize and El Salvador were the only countries in the region that had not reported any cases.

“BAHA has dispatched technical teams to conduct the investigation, and the public will be advised of the progress,” MAFSE/BAHA said in a press release.

MAFSE/BAHA have been on alert even before the advent of the first case in Central America and, along with its partners such as Regional International Organization for Plant Protection (OIRSA), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), have launched an intensive campaign across the country to inform livestock producer and farmers about the disease and the measures to take.  Additionally, MAFSE have been in constant contact with the Ministries of Agriculture of the affected countries over the last few months collaborating to contain the disease.

At the end of October, BAHA issued a high alert following the confirmation of two New World Screwworm (NWS) cases in Guatemala and elevated the risk level to extremely high due to Belize’s proximity to affected countries.

While the investigation is being carried out, BAHA and MAFSE urge everyone to take necessary preventive measures to mitigate the spread of NWS, including regular inspection of animals, early notification, wound curing, and controlled animal movement.

Key Preventive Measures:

• Report Myiasis Cases: Immediately report all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA or MAFSE office or healthcare provider.
• Health Inspection Certificate: Ensure small stock and livestock are physically inspected and have an NWS Health Inspection Certificate and Movement Permit before any movement occurs.
• Daylight Movement: Ensure the movement of all small stock and livestock occurs during daylight hours.
• Declare Animals: Declare all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point.
• Import Regulations: Import animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA. Do not import animals through non-established points of entry and border crossings.

Animal wound infected with New World Screwworm larvae – Photo Credit: Costa Rica Animal Health Authority SENASA

MAFSE/BAHA said the violation of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024: New World Screwworm Prevention, Control, and Eradication Regulations can result in a fine not exceeding $5,000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

BAHA and MAFSE emphasize the importance of adhering to these measures to prevent the continuous spread of NWS, which has affected all countries in the region, including Mexico.

“This highly prolific and devastating parasite has continuously spread through Central America primarily due to the illegal movement of animals,” MAFSE/BAHA said.

Reporting Suspected Cases: Cases of suspect larval infestations in animals should be reported to the BAHA Animal Health Department offices at 824-4872 in Central Farm, 302-1388 in Orange Walk, or via WhatsApp at 670-7003. For further information, email the Animal Health Department at [email protected]  or call 824-4872.

The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate in this critical effort to control and eradicate the New World Screwworm.

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