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Belize Takes Action Against New World Screw Worm Threat

Minister of Agriculture José Abelardo Mai is visiting Honduras and Panama to address the potential threat of the New World Screw Worm entering Belize. This pest poses a significant risk to livestock, and Honduras has already reported 20 cases.


During his visit, Minister Mai, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, met with Honduras' Minister of Agriculture, Laura Suazo, and representatives from the National Service of Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASA), which is leading efforts to control the screw worm infestation. Mai noted that they received a presentation on current measures to manage the pest’s spread.


The Belizean delegation will also visit treatment centers set up in Honduras for animals that may have been affected. The presence of the New World Screw Worm was first detected in Honduras in September, leading to immediate preventive actions and intensified monitoring in affected areas.


Following this trip, the Belizean team will proceed to Panama, the first Central American country impacted by this issue. The visit aims to enhance awareness and information sharing to keep Belize screw worm-free.


The New World Screwworm is caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including humans. In light of the regional threat, the Ministry has intensified its prevention campaign and urges Belizeans, especially farmers, to report any signs of the screwworm, including wounds with worms, to a veterinarian or the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) at 824-4872 or via text at 670-7003.

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