The United States has temporarily suspended livestock imports from Mexico after identifying a case of screwworm in the city of Catazajá, in the State of Chiapas, a few kilometers from Palenque. The plague, which mainly affects cattle, is caused by the fly Cochliomya hominivorax which leaves its larvae in warm-blooded animals. It also attacks dogs, cats, sheep, goats, horses and pigs. The larvae feed on living tissue and cause a parasitic disease known as myiasis. Although the effects mainly occur in animals, there are also cases recorded in humans.
Livestock farmers estimate that the suspension of Mexican exports may last a couple of weeks, while they wait for the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica) to develop a plan to guarantee the containment of the parasite. Chiapas is the State where the most notifications of possible cases have been detected in the last month, 58 in total, according to data from the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica), followed by Puebla, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz.
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Although the positive case has been detected in Chiapas, the suspension of exports affects all states in the country. Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas are some of the entities that will be most affected by this measure.
On November 22, the World Organization for Animal Health issued a report on a case of myiasis in cattle coming from outside Mexico in a municipality near the border with Guatemala. “The United States and Mexico are working on the implementation of measures to resume the normal flow of Mexican exports,” indicated the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico in a statement.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicated last Friday that its Mexican partners had informed them about the detection of the case and that they are working with them and with several Central American countries to stop the spread of the screwworm. Health authorities warn that infections can be difficult to detect at first, but as the days go by they usually manifest themselves through growing wounds, whitish larvae and signs of discomfort.
Currently in Chiapas, the bilateral Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease and other Exotic Animal Diseases, together with Senasica, works with local producers on a control protocol to review livestock arriving from Central America. In addition to offering training to producers to detect possible cases and the presence of the pest in livestock and pets.
The Mexican authorities, for their part, indicate that these measures are not affecting other exports and that control measures are being implemented. “Control and prevention actions are fully operational with proven effectiveness, which allows Mexican livestock to be protected from the risk of cattle screwworm.”
Mexico is physically inspecting cattle for export to find lesions and rule out any possible causes of the plague. Added to this review is the internal and external application of ivermectin, a strong dewormer, to all animals.
The screwworm problem was considered eradicated in Central America and North America since the early 2000s. However, illegal livestock farming and migration have mobilized the pest again. Panama and Costa Rica raised the alarm in July of last year. Then he arrived in Nicaragua, in April of this year, and in Honduras, in September. Guatemala, on the border with Chiapas, has also recorded several cases this year. So far, in Central America alone there are more than 40,000 animals affected by the screwworm.
**What measures are being taken to ensure the long-term eradication of screwworm in Mexico, and how can these strategies be effectively implemented to prevent future re-emergences?**
## World Today News: Interview on Screwworm Outbreak in Mexico
**Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’ll be discussing the recent screwworm outbreak in Mexico and its impact on livestock trade with the US.**
**Joining us are:**
* **Dr. Maria Sanchez:** A veterinarian and expert in livestock diseases.
* **Mr. José Ramirez:** A livestock farmer in Sonora, Mexico, a state heavily affected by the export suspension.
**Section 1: Understanding the Threat**
**(To Dr. Sanchez)**
* *The article mentions that screwworm infestations can be difficult to detect initially. Can you elaborate on the early signs and symptoms farmers should be aware of? What makes this parasite particularly dangerous?*
* *Screwworm was considered eradicated in North and Central America. What factors have contributed to its reemergence, and what are the implications for the region?*
**Section 2: Economic Impact and Mitigation**
**(To Mr. Ramirez)**
* *How has the temporary suspension of livestock exports to the US impacted your farm and livelihood? What are your primary concerns during this time?*
* *The article mentions control measures being implemented by Mexican authorities. What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of these measures, and what additional steps could be taken to mitigate the outbreak’s impact?*
**(To Dr. Sanchez and Mr. Ramirez)**
* *Beyond the immediate economic concerns, what are the long-term implications of screwworm outbreaks for the livestock industry in Mexico and the US?*
* *How can international cooperation play a role in addressing this transboundary animal disease? What are some successful strategies implemented in other regions facing similar challenges?*
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
**(To both guests)**
* *What lessons can be learned from this outbreak to prevent future occurrences? What preventative measures should be prioritized by governments and farmers?*
* *Based on your experience and expertise, what message would you like to convey to the public regarding the screwworm threat and the importance of biosecurity?*
**Closing Remarks:**
Thank you to Dr. Sanchez and Mr. Ramirez for sharing their valuable insights. We hope this discussion raises awareness about the screwworm threat and encourages collaborative efforts towards its mitigation.
This interview format utilizes open-ended questions to encourage in-depth discussion and diverse perspectives. It also divides the topic into manageable sections, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Remember to adapt the questions based on the guests’ responses and guide the conversation towards insightful and informative dialog.
