Posted: Thursday, June 19, 2025. 6:26 pm CST.
BAHA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Roxanna Alvarez (far right) at New World Screwworm press conference on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Also present, (L-R) MAFSE Director of Communications Luis Pook, MAFSE Minister Jose Abelardo Mai, and BAHA Managing Director Zoe Zetina – Photo Credit: MAFSE
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic threat long absent from Belize, has returned in force, prompting urgent action from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). At a press conference today, BAHA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Roxana Alvarez, reported that since its reemergence in January, a total of 160 confirmed cases have been detected across the country.
Originating in Crique Sarco, Toledo District, the infestation has gradually spread through southern and central Belize, touching 77 communities across five districts. The hardest-hit areas include Toledo with 90 cases and Cayo with 57, while smaller numbers were reported in Stann Creek (5), Belize District (5), and Orange Walk (2).
Dr. Alvarez said the NWS the parasite’s spread has been concerning, but added BAHA has acted quickly with containment zones, surveillance, and controlled animal movements.
Under Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024, the movement of livestock and small stock is now subject to inspections and certification. Animals from known infested areas must be treated with Ivermectin and approved by a Designated Inspector before being transported, especially to the mostly uninfested northern zone, which includes Orange Walk and Corozal.
Despite these controls, a troubling trend has emerged. Pets, particularly dogs, are now showing a sharp increase in infections. Of the 160 cases to date, 54 were in dogs, trailing only cattle (59). Even more worrying, 20 new dog infestations were recorded in the past four weeks alone.
“Even more concerning is that the owners of these dogs seem not to be aware of when infestation occurs and only notice when there is a large, gaping wound,” Dr. Alvarez noted.
“We are calling on all pet owners to carefully inspect their dogs and cats, as diligently as small stock and livestock producers are doing.”
She urged the public—including pet owners, farmers, and producers—to remain vigilant, inspect animals regularly, and report any signs of infestation to BAHA or the Ministry of Agriculture. As of June 14, 55 cases remain active, with animals currently undergoing treatment.
Although Belize has not experienced the scale of spread seen in other Central American countries, the message from BAHA is clear: complacency is not an option.
“Together we can control the spread of NWS and prevent the losses that it can bring to the agriculture sector,” said Dr. Alvarez.
She closed her address with thanks to all BAHA and MAFSE officers for their dedication, as well as international partners IICA, OIRSA, and USDA for their support in combating the resurgence of the pest.
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The post New World Screwworm cases in Belize rise to 160: Chief Vet Dr Roxanna Alvarez calls for vigilance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, June 19, 2025. 6:26 pm CST. BAHA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Roxanna Alvarez (far right) at New World Screwworm press conference on Thursday, June
The post New World Screwworm cases in Belize rise to 160: Chief Vet Dr Roxanna Alvarez calls for vigilance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
