BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize says it has been monitoring the spread of the New World Screwworm in Central America for two years and have increased the threat level to extremely high.
Belize on high alert for New World Screwworm (NWS) casesIn a statement, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) said Guatemala and Mexico have confirmed New World Screwworm (NWS) cases in their territory.
NWS infestation occurs when NWS fly larvae infest the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals and on rare occasions this includes people. Screwworm flies are attracted to and lay eggs on and in open wounds.
The parasite is typically found in South America and the Caribbean and people who travel to these areas, spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors, and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with NWS.
BAHA said it is reminding its partners, stakeholders, and the public that this highly prolific and devastating parasite has been proven to be continuously spreading through Central America due to the illegal movement of animals.
The BAHA and the MAFSE said to strengthen Belize’s prevention measures, the necessary regulations have been enacted allowing for the continued strengthening of preventative measures and the implementation of control and eradication protocols should the need arise.
They said key preventative measures include inspection of animals, early notification, curing of wounds, and controlled movement of animals.
The authorities said to ensure Belize remains free from New World Screwworm, producers, transporters, and the public are reminded to immediately report all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA office, MAFSE office, or healthcare provider as well as ensure small stock and livestock are physically inspected and have an NWS Health Inspection Certificate and Movement Permit.
IN addition, people ate are asked to ensure movement of all small stock and livestock during daylight hours and declare all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point as well as import animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA.
The authorities are also urging against importing animals through a non-established point of entry, warning that any person who contravenes these regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both such fine and imprisonment.
