Tlaxcala surpassed 40 accumulated cases of screwworm, while dogs became the most affected species during July, a situation that continues to raise concern among specialists and animal protection organizations.
According to the Senasica report, as of August 1, the state had recorded 41 accumulated cases since the first infection was confirmed in March of this year, with 11 active cases distributed across eight municipalities.
The active cases include three in Tlaxcala City, two in San Pablo del Monte, and one in each of the municipalities of Apizaco, Huamantla, Nativitas, Santa Isabel Xiloxoxtla, Teolocholco, and Zacatelco.
With the confirmed case in Teolocholco, a total of 17 municipalities in Tlaxcala have now reported at least one animal affected by screwworm. In the accumulated count, Apizaco has the highest number of cases with eight, followed by San Pablo del Monte with six, Huamantla with five, and Tlaxcala City with four.
In addition, three cases have been documented in Tlaxco; two cases in Tequexquitla, Panotla, and Xaltocan; while Atlangatepec, Contla de Juan Cuamatzi, Hueyotlipan, Ixtenco, Nativitas, San José Teacalco, Santa Isabel Xiloxoxtla, Teolocholco, and Zacatelco have each reported one case.
Monitoring conducted by the OCPA revealed that July was the month with the highest incidence since the pest appeared in Tlaxcala. During that period alone, 23 new cases were detected, exceeding the eight reported in May, seven in June, two in April, and the first case confirmed in March.
The organization recalled that the first case in the state was recorded on March 17 in a horse in the municipality of Ixtenco, while the first affected dog was identified on April 22 in Panotla. However, during July, dogs accounted for the largest number of reports, prompting calls for specific measures to protect animals, particularly those living on the streets.
The OCPA explained that the screwworm corresponds to the larval stage of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which lays its eggs in open wounds or natural openings in animals. Hours later, the larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, potentially causing deep wounds, severe infections, and even death if veterinary treatment is not provided.
The main warning signs include the presence of white larvae in wounds, dark or bloody discharge, a foul odor, as well as pain, fever, lethargy, or behavioral changes in the animal. If any of these symptoms appear, specialists recommend immediately seeking help from a veterinarian.
The Observatory emphasized that prevention begins with regularly checking dogs, cats, horses, and livestock for wounds, even very small ones, keeping them clean and protected, and reporting any suspected cases to health authorities to prevent the spread of screwworm.
The president of the OCPA, Jorge Ignacio Martínez Castro, considered that public awareness campaigns about the disease have been insufficient. For this reason, he called for stronger information campaigns aimed at the public so that animal owners can learn to identify the first signs of infestation and act promptly, since early treatment can prevent complications and help reduce the spread of the pest.
Source: oem
