By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has elevated the risk level for New World Screwworm to “extremely high” following confirmed cases in Guatemala. Detected on October 29, 2024, near Los Amates, Izabal, just 44 miles from the Belize-Guatemala border, the outbreak in cattle raises concerns about the parasite’s potential spread into Belize.
The New World Screwworm, known scientifically as Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a particularly harmful parasite that can infect all mammals, including humans. Its spread, often due to the illegal movement of animals, poses serious threats to health, safety, food security, and livelihoods across Central America. Given the proximity of these cases, BAHA is urging immediate vigilance to prevent the parasite from entering Belize.
BAHA advises farmers and animal handlers to ensure regular inspections of animals and manage tick infestations. All wounds should be carefully treated, particularly after common practices such as dehorning, navel care for newborns, ear tagging, tail docking, castration, and branding. Any animal displaying lesions or wounds with larvae should be reported to BAHA immediately, as such signs may indicate an infestation. To limit risk, animals with open wounds should not be transported.
Cases of suspected larval infestations in animals can be reported to BAHA’s Animal Health Department, which has offices in Orange Walk and Central Farm, or through their hotline at 670-7003. This proactive approach is vital to ensure the protection of Belize’s agriculture, health, and economy from the New World Screwworm.
As a collective responsibility, BAHA calls on all Belizeans to remain alert and take preventative measures to help prevent the spread of this parasite. For more information, BAHA can be contacted at animalhealth@baha.org.bz or at 824-4872.
