In response to the declaration of a state of emergency for animal health in Guatemala, Campeche has been placed on high alert due to the risk posed by the screwworm. This parasitic fly can cause significant damage to livestock, putting over 668 thousand cattle registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) at risk.
According to Ramón Ochoa Peña, Head of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (SDA), the Federal Government has instructed all relevant parties to provide training to the entire livestock sector on how to prevent damages. This includes providing information on identifying the screwworm infestations and taking prompt action to mitigate its effects.
The municipalities in southern Campeche are considered high-risk areas due to their proximity to Guatemala, with some reports suggesting that Central American cattle may be smuggled into Mexico through this region. Ochoa Peña emphasized the importance of vigilance among livestock producers, urging them to report any suspected infestations immediately.
In preparation for the potential outbreak, livestock producers have been provided with a protocol outlining the types of insecticides to use in eliminating the screwworm. Additionally, Ochoa Peña expressed hope that Federal Government programs similar to those used in the 1970s and 1980s will be implemented. These initiatives involved creating laboratories to sterilize and release the screwworm, ultimately leading to its elimination.
The presence of the screwworm poses a significant economic threat, with Ochoa Peña stressing the need for decisive action to prevent its spread. He emphasized that previous efforts to combat this pest have shown promising results, and he is hopeful that similar initiatives will be taken to safeguard Campeche’s livestock industry.
Source: La Jornada
