Posted: Monday, December 9, 2024. 4:53 pm CST.
PRESS RELEASE #5/24 – Statutory Instrument No. 143 of 2024: Prevention, Control, and Eradication of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is in effect.
For Immediate Release:
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) have been monitoring the spread of the New World Screwworm in Central America for 2 years and have increased the threat level to extremely high.
Guatemala and Mexico have confirmed New World Screwworm (NWS) cases in their territory.
To strengthen Belize’s prevention measures, on November 8, 2024, Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024: Belize Agricultural Health Authority [Prevention, Control, and Eradication of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)] Regulations were enacted. They will allow the continued strengthening of preventative measures and the implementation of control and eradication protocols should the need arise.
The key preventative measures include inspection of animals, early notification, curing of wounds, and controlled movement of animals.
To ensure Belize remains free from New World Screwworm, producers, transporters, and the public are reminded, under SI 143 of 2024, to:
- Immediately report all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA office, MAFSE office, or healthcare provider.
- Ensure small stock and livestock are physically inspected and have an NWS Health Inspection Certificate and Movement Permit.
- Ensure movement of all small stock and livestock during daylight hours.
- Declare all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point.
- Import animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA.
- Not import animals through a non-established point of entry.
- 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.
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority reminds 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.
Cases of suspected larval infestations in animals can be reported to the BAHA Animal Health Department offices at 302-1388 in Orange Walk, 824-4872 in Central Farm, or via text at 6707003.
For further information, email the Animal Health Department at animalhealth@baha.org.bz or call 824-4872.
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The post Belize Agricultural Health Authority Prevention, Control, and Eradication of New World Screwworm Regulations enacted appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, December 9, 2024. 4:53 pm CST. PRESS RELEASE #5/24 – Statutory Instrument No. 143 of 2024: Prevention, Control, and Eradication of New World Screwworm
The post Belize Agricultural Health Authority Prevention, Control, and Eradication of New World Screwworm Regulations enacted appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
