The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) organized a theoretical and practical workshop on October 23 to enhance the prevention and control of the screwworm in Sacatepéquez. The event aimed to build skills among service institution members and local community committees (COCODES).
The training was led by staff from the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR) and the National Screwworm Program. Participants included personnel from Municipal Departmental Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, teachers from various educational institutions, and COCODES representatives.
Delegates from other government agencies attended as well, including the ministries of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP), and officials from several municipalities: San Lucas Sacatepéquez, San Miguel Dueñas, Pastores, and Santa Lucía Milpas Altas.
This session followed an earlier workshop held on October 21 in La Antigua Guatemala. The methodology used allowed participants to both learn about detection, prevention, and management of this disease affecting livestock health, as well as practice applying veterinary larvicides and insecticides.
According to MAGA, "This workshop is part of a series of actions promoted by MAGA to strengthen sanitary surveillance and technical response against the screwworm. The training replicates a regional meeting held in Panama, which included delegates from the ministries of agriculture of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama."
MAGA stated its ongoing commitment: "MAGA reaffirms its commitment to protecting national livestock assets by promoting technical training, inter-institutional coordination and sanitary prevention as pillars for sustainable development in Guatemala's agricultural sector."
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