BELMOPAN, Belize, Dec 29, CMC – The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) says it is investigating a suspected case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the southwestern Toledo District.
BAHA, which is working together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), said it has dispatched technical teams to conduct the investigation, and the public will be advised of the progress.
“BAHA and MAFSE remind its partners, stakeholders, and the public that this highly prolific and devastating parasite has continuously spread through Central America primarily due to the illegal movement of animals.”
NWS disease is an infestation with the larvae of the NWS fly that lives off the flesh of living mammals and, less commonly, birds.
Preventive measures include the spraying or dipping of susceptible livestock with organophosphorus compounds and, more recently, use of avermectins (especially doramectin) as subcutaneous injections to animals ‘at risk’.
BAHA said producers, transporters, and the public are reminded that preventative measures include regular inspection of animals, early notification, wound curing, and controlled animal movement.
BAHA sad that people should immediately report all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA or 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 before any movement occurs.
In addition, BAHA said that people should ensure movement of all small stock and livestock occurs during daylight hours, declare all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point and import animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA.
“Do not import animals through a non-established point of entry and border crossings,” BAHA said, warning that any person who contravenes the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024: New World Screwworm Prevention, Control, and Eradication Regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding BDZ$5,000 (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both such fine and terms of imprisonment.
CMC/df/nb/2024.