Ministry of Agriculture and BAHA take swift action in light of New World Screwworm case

Published by [email protected] at December 31, 2024

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Posted: Tuesday, December 31, 2024. 11:02 am CST.

Emergency Response Team, comprising representation from MAFSE, BAHA, OIRSA, IICA and BLPA, met on Monday, to continue working together in response to NWS suspected case, first for Belize. Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) confirmed on Monday that a suspected case of New World Screwworm (NWS) was found in Crique Sarco, southwestern Toledo, on Friday, December 28. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to swiftly contain and control the spread of this disease.

Upon receiving the report from a local livestock producer, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) promptly deployed two technical teams to investigate the suspected case. The affected farm was immediately quarantined, and the infected animal received treatment and was isolated from the herd.

Technical Director of Animal Health and Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Rosanna Alvarez, assured that BAHA officers, who are well-trained in managing and treating NWS, are conducting daily visits to the area to ensure no further cases of animal infection emerge while tests are being done to confirm if the suspected case is indeed New World Screwworm. So far, the larval infection hasn’t been officially confirmed as a New World Screwworm case according to international protocols, a MAFSE source said.

Dr. Alvarez mentioned that the infected heifer is undergoing regular veterinarian attention to prevent any recurrence of larvae infestation.

Dr. Alvarez explained that Crique Sarco is located just over 11 miles from Modesto Mendez, Guatemala, where NWS has been identified. Despite the lack of direct road connections between the two areas, it is believed that a NWS fly, capable of traveling up to 180 miles, brought the suspected case into Belize.

Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, stated that this isolated case should not impact exports to Mexico. He reported receiving reassurances from Mexico’s new Minister of Agriculture, confirming that exports will continue as usual. Recent revisions to export protocols have introduced more stringent controls to ensure thorough checks of exported animals.

While the case in Toledo is being investigated, BAHA and MAFSE urge everyone to take necessary preventive measures to mitigate the spread of NWS, including regular inspection of all 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 stated that 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.

Reporting Suspected Cases: Cases of suspected 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.

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