Screwworm cases in Yucatán continue to rise. During the last week, the Secretariat of Rural Development (SEDER) reported 32 new cases.
Despite the efforts of authorities and ranchers, the spread of the parasite has not been contained.
More cases of the parasitic pest were registered in the first week of the year.
Which municipalities are affected?
The most recent cases were registered in 15 municipalities:
Seyé: one
Bokobá: one
Ticul: one
Tecoh: one
Sinanché: one
Cansahcab: one
Tixméhuac: one
Tizimín: one
Ucú: one
Tixkokob: two
Tahdziú: two
Tekax: two
Santa Elena: two
Panabá: two
Mérida: 13
The report also indicates that Sinanché has been added to the list of municipalities with the presence of the plague, bringing the total to 99 municipalities with reported cases.
However, the timely attention provided by veterinary personnel and the collaboration of livestock farmers have allowed 1,482 cases to be treated and cured, without any animals being culled.
Which animals are affected by the plague?
During this period, screwworm infestations were detected in dogs, cats, cows, bulls, pigs, and sheep, ranging in age from eight days old to 15 years.
The lesions were located primarily on the ears, cervical region, perianal region, navel, and hind limbs, and in most cases were associated with fights between animals or bat bites.
The SEDER (State Secretariat of Rural Development) explained that cattle and dogs are the species most affected by screwworm infestations, which attack warm-blooded animals with open wounds that do not receive timely care, allowing flies to lay their eggs in the lesions.
The first screwworm infestation was reported on March 5, 2025. Two deer infestations were also reported. Additionally, five men and three women have been treated by veterinarians and have since been discharged from the hospitals.
Source: milenio
