Chihuahua implements safe livestock movement protocol to curb cattle worm

The Secretariat of Rural Development (SDR) and the National Service for Health, Safety and Agro-Food Quality (Senasica) have introduced a protocol that allows the transfer of cattle, horses, sheep and goats from municipalities in Chihuahua classified as affected by the cattle worm (Gusano Barrenador del Ganado) to clean zones. All animals in the affected areas must be treated with the antiparasitic drug Doramectin, after which a 72‑hour waiting period is required before movement is permitted. The measure, explained by Juan Carlos Flores, head of SDR’s Livestock Department, is intended to keep the flow of livestock production while preventing further spread of the pest.

The protocol will be applied gradually to all municipalities in the state, regardless of their current status, and SDR staff are conducting training, distributing preventive kits and informing producers about the new requirements.