Ministry steps up surveillance against screwworm outbreak in key Guatemalan regions

Maynor Estrada, Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación
Maynor Estrada, Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación | Twitter

During epidemiological week 46, from November 9 to 15, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) in Guatemala conducted surveillance activities aimed at monitoring and controlling the Screwworm. These efforts helped update the health situation and focus responses in areas requiring urgent attention.

Specialized teams carried out 390 inspections at production units, checked the sanitary conditions of 9,250 animals, and treated another 3,755. Technical follow-up was provided to 183 livestock establishments to identify risk patterns and guide interventions based on trends observed in regions such as Izabal, Suchitepéquez, Alta Verapaz, and Guatemala.

As of November 20, consolidated monitoring data reported a total of 3,269 positive cases nationwide. There were 219 new cases identified during this period, mainly affecting cattle, dogs, and pigs. Active surveillance continues in locations including Entre Ríos, Puerto Barrios, Modesto Méndez, and La Libertad. In these areas, teams are strengthening corral checks, validating reports, and providing direct assistance to producers.

Authorities also responded to complaints and supervised animal movements at control posts. Technical staff held training sessions with 385 producers focusing on early detection of lesions, notification criteria, safe management practices, and biosecurity measures—key elements for reducing factors that favor the parasite's presence.

The MAGA emphasized that these actions are part of a national strategy to reduce parasite incidence, strengthen farm biosecurity measures, and protect animal health. The ministry urges producers to report any suspected outbreaks immediately through the official application https://www.maga.gob.gt/aplicacion-dsa/ or via WhatsApp at 3570-7727 for prompt technical support.