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Photo: New words for screwworm larvae and flies
By Kristen Ku
Belize City, Friday, July 26, 2024
The resurgence of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Central America poses a major threat to agriculture and livestock in Belize. This destructive pest is known for wreaking havoc on livestock and has been found in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The pest causes severe wounds and, if left untreated, can lead to the death of infected animals. Historically, screwworm infestations have devastated livestock populations, causing huge economic losses.
Belize left the NWS in 1992 and has maintained that status ever since, but is particularly vulnerable as its $90 million cattle industry continues to grow. The country’s cattle trade with Mexico is particularly at risk as it not only supports local livelihoods but also contributes significantly to the country’s GDP through exports.
New World screwworm outbreaks could lead to strict quarantine measures, increased treatment costs and potential trade restrictions, all of which would put pressure on an already fragile industry.
Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, His Excellency Jose Abelardo Mai, has urged international organizations to take immediate action to curb the spread of the screwworm. At the 44th Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Executive Committee held recently in Costa Rica, Minister Mai stressed the urgent need for intervention from IICA and the regional International Organization for Plant Protection and Animal Health (OIRSA).
Amandala We reached out to the Technical Director of Animal Health at the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) but were told she was travelling. We also reached out to Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Health, but were unable to arrange an interview as of press time.
The Belize Wildlife Conservation Society is taking several steps to ensure Belize is NWS-free. They are monitoring regional zoo sanitation, educating the public on pest risks and the dangers of illegally imported animals, and conducting surveillance for injured animals. Additionally, the Belize Wildlife Conservation Society is inspecting imported animals at all entry points and providing training to technical officers, private veterinarians, Ministry of Agriculture animal husbandry officers, veterinary medical associations, and other stakeholders. They are also involved in regional initiatives to address this issue.
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