Mexico combats screwworm outbreaks in Coahuila and Chihuahua

Authorities in northern Mexico are implementing biological control measures to combat the spread of the screwworm (gusano barrenador) affecting livestock. In Coahuila, officials are releasing approximately 2.5 million sterile flies weekly via aerial dispersal to maintain active cases between 27 and 37 per week. This sanitary strategy is part of an effort to secure authorization for the state to export live cattle to the United States, following similar protocols in Sonora and Chihuahua.

In Chihuahua, the pest has affected 29 municipalities, with 64 active cases reported as of early September. Bovines are the most impacted species with 50 cases, followed by canines and equines. While current dispersal in Chihuahua has been conducted via land, the Secretary of Rural Development, Mauro Parada, stated that the state is awaiting increased production from the sterile fly plant in Chiapas to begin aerial dispersal operations.