Mexico City
Mexico has confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm parasite in the northern state of Nuevo León, raising concerns about its potential spread into the United States. The case was reported in Sabinas Hidalgo, a town located just 113 kilometres from the US border.
Detection and response
The Mexican authorities detected the parasite after reports of infestations in livestock. The screwworm, known scientifically as Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a dangerous parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Left untreated, infestations can be fatal for cattle and other livestock.
In response, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering measures including the release of sterile flies to control the parasite’s population and prevent its expansion northward. The approach has historically been used to eradicate outbreaks in Central and North America.
Threat to livestock industry
The discovery has alarmed both Mexican and US officials as the region’s cattle industry faces heightened risks. The parasite can spread quickly, infesting open wounds of animals and causing significant economic losses. The USDA and Mexican agricultural authorities are closely monitoring the situation to contain the outbreak.
Historical context
The New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s through large-scale sterile fly programmes. However, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Latin America in recent decades, underlining the parasite’s persistence and ability to re-emerge in border regions.
Conclusion
While officials have moved swiftly to control the situation, the proximity of the latest case to the US border has sparked concern over potential cross-border transmission. Both Mexico and the US are expected to intensify preventive measures to protect their livestock sectors.