Belize Ministry of Agriculture intensifies New World Screwworm campaign, visits Orange Walk Friday

Posted: Friday, November 1, 2024. 11:19 am CST.

MAFSE takes New World Screwworm campaign to Orange Walk; Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai talking to farmers gathered at Yo Creek Agric Station on Friday, November 1, 2024 – Photo Credit: CFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Yo Creek Agric Station conference room in Yo Creek, Orange Walk, is packed to capacity on Friday morning as livestock producers, ranchers, and members of the agriculture sector have gathered for training and education on the New World Screwworm, which has been detected in neighboring Guatemala. Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai is leading an all-out effort to sensitize and educate the public to ensure that prevention efforts are effectively carried out.

The Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement that community visits and educational talks are being conducted countrywide as part of the campaign. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has issued a high alert due to the impending arrival of the New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Belize. This devastating pest has already affected Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala, posing a significant threat to animals and humans, particularly cattle.

Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai talking to farmers gathered at Yo Creek Agric Station on Friday, November 1, 2024 – Photo Credit: CFB

Minister Mai emphasized the importance of regular inspections, managing tick infestations, and carrying out preventative treatments on animals to prevent the spread of the screwworm.

Minister Mai has said the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) is committed to protecting our livestock and ensuring the safety and health of our communities. It is crucial that everyone involved in the agriculture sector takes the necessary precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of this devastating pest.

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging all stakeholders, including producers, transporters, and the public, to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of screwworm infestations to the BAHA Animal Health Department. The collective effort of the entire nation is essential to keep Belize free from the New World Screwworm.

For further information, contact the Belize District Department of Agriculture at 824-4872 or email at agriculture@belize.gov.bz.

Farmers gather at Yo Creek Agric Station on Friday, November 1, 2024 to learn more about the New World Screwworm – Photo Credit: CFB

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The post Belize Ministry of Agriculture intensifies New World Screwworm campaign, visits Orange Walk Friday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Friday, November 1, 2024. 11:19 am CST. MAFSE takes New World Screwworm campaign to Orange Walk; Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai talking to farmers gathered
The post Belize Ministry of Agriculture intensifies New World Screwworm campaign, visits Orange Walk Friday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.