In the municipality of Mapastepec, Chiapas, zoosanitary authorities have reported the detection of six new cases of livestock screwworm in different rural communities. This has led to the implementation of immediate measures for attention and control in ranches in the region.
The cases were identified in animals such as dogs, horses, and pigs in the communities of Adolfo López Mateos, Barrancón, Valdivia, and Tres de Mayo. Nicolás Castañeda Javier, director of Agricultural Promotion in the municipality, has confirmed that the affected animals received timely treatment in accordance with protocols established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) and the National Service of Health, Food Safety, and Quality (Senasica).
Although quarantine measures have not been imposed, local authorities have issued a preventive health alert and made an urgent call to ranchers and citizens to report any suspicious wounds in farm animals or pets. The objective is to receive immediate attention and prevent the spread of the parasite.
Nicolás Castañeda Javier has reiterated that the main focus is to contain the spread of the screwworm through early detection and timely clinical treatment of each case. For now, the isolation of productive areas is not being considered.
The screwworm affects a wide variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, pets, and even humans, especially when wounds are not properly treated. Among the urgent measures to be implemented are washing and suturing wounds, using fly repellent, cleaning in breeding areas, applying lime, and fumigating prone areas.