Home Uncategorized Measures for the Prevention of Spread of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)

Measures for the Prevention of Spread of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)

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Posted: Friday, March 21, 2025. 1:00 pm CST.

Press Release

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) inform the public that Belize has confirmed 33 (thirty-three) cases of New World Screwworm, to date.  Presently, there are 27 (twenty-seven) cases in Toledo, 4 (four) cases in Cayo, 1 (one) case in the Belize District, and 1 (one) case in the Orange Walk District. Animals affected include cattle, pigs, dogs, sheep, and a horse.

Everyone is reminded that key preventative measures include consistent inspection of animals, curing of wounds with approved larvicides, early notification, and controlled movement of animals. 

Other key points include:

  • Immediate reporting of all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA office, MAFSE office, or healthcare provider.
  • Declaring all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point. These are in Sandhill, Bullet Tree Falls, and Jalacte.
  • Ensuring small stock and livestock are physically inspected and have an NWS Health Inspection Certificate and Movement Permit.
  • Ensuring movement of all small stock and livestock during daylight hours.
  • Importing animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA.
  • Do not import animals through a non-established point of entry.

The public is reminded 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 five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment.

Cases of suspect 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 WhatsApp at 670-7003. 

For further information, email the Animal Health Department at animalhealth@baha.org.bz or call 8244872.

 

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The post Measures for the Prevention of Spread of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Friday, March 21, 2025. 1:00 pm CST. Press Release The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE)
The post Measures for the Prevention of Spread of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.