Tag:
New World Screwworm
Government
Belize receives CIRSA’s Presidency at Regional Agricultural Meeting in San Pedro
During the 72nd ordinary meeting of the Regional International Agricultural Health Committee (CIRSA-OIRSA), Belize officially assumed the presidency on April 3rd. The Honourable Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, represented the country in this role. The two-day event, held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, brought together Agriculture Ministers and Secretaries from across the region to discuss key issues related to agricultural health and food security. It also showcased Belize’s advancements in farm research and biological pest control.
Business & Economy
New World Screwworm Cases continue to climb across Belize
Since January, Belize has been facing a rapid increase in cases of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), with the outbreak spreading beyond its initial containment in the Toledo District. By March 21st, authorities confirmed 33 cases across multiple districts, including Cayo, Belize District, and Orange Walk. This shows a significant rise from the eight cases reported in February, indicating a growing threat to the country's livestock sector.
Business & Economy
New World Screwworm: A Potential Threat to Belize’s Livestock Industry
Belize is facing a new issue with New World Screwworm (NWS). The NWS is a highly destructive parasite primarily targeting livestock and other animals. The first case was identified on December 30, 2024, in the Crique Sarco Village Toledo District, followed by another case reported in early January 2025 in the San Pedro Columbia Village. In response, officials have implemented strict measures, including a quarantine zone of three miles around the affected farms, and special permits are now required to move cattle.
Government
Continued Heightened Surveillance and Veterinary Inspection for Animals (pets and livestock) from Listed Countries
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority reminds its partners, stakeholders, and the public that it continues to closely monitor the Zoosanitary situation of the region and, particularly, the New World Screwworm situation in Central America. Nicaragua has now declared a National Animal Health Alert due to reported cases of New World Screwworm, now raising the number to three affected countries in Central America, including Costa Rica and Panama.
Government
Monitoring of New World Screwworm
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) advises its partners, stakeholders, and the public that it is closely monitoring the outbreak of New World screwworms in Central America. Panama has declared a State of Zoosanitary Emergency and reported cases in cattle, pigs, dogs, and horses. Costa Rica has reported a single case in a dog.
