Press Release, Belmopan, October 30, 2024: On the 29th of October 2024, Guatemala confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) around Los Amates, Izabal, located 44 miles from the Belize-Guatemala southern border. Both confirmed cases were in bovines (cattle).
New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasite that can affect all mammals, including humans. This highly prolific and devastating parasite has been continuously spreading through Central America mainly due to the illegal movement of animals. The introduction of this disease could endanger health, safety, food security, and livelihoods.
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority informs its stakeholders, partners and the public, that the risk level has been elevated to extremely high due to our proximity to affected countries. To ensure Belize remains free from New World Screwworm, producers, transporters, and the public must:
•Inspect animals regularly and manage tick infestation
•Carry out preventative treatment of all wounds on animals, including dehorning, navels on newborn, ear tagging, tail docking, castration, and branding.
•Notify BAHA of live animals with lesions or wounds with larvae or “maggots”.
•Not transport animals with wounds.
Cases of suspect larval infestations in animals can be reported to the BAHA Animal Health Department offices at 302-1388 in Orange Walk, 824-4872 in Central Farm, or via text at 670- 7003.
As Belizeans, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the New World Screwworm does not enter Belize. For further information, email the Animal Health Department at [email protected] or call 824-4872.
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