Mexico faces rising screw-worm fly infestations in Campeche and Chihuahua

The screw-worm fly (gusano barrenador) infestation is spreading across several Mexican states, impacting livestock and domestic animals. According to reports from the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica), the outbreak has reached significant levels in the southeast and northern regions.

In Campeche, confirmed cases have exceeded 1,200, affecting cattle (693 cases), dogs (349 cases), and horses. The Yucatán Peninsula as a whole has recorded 5,749 total cases, with Yucatán state holding the highest concentration at 3,145. Nationally, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz report the highest cumulative totals.

In Chihuahua, active cases have reached a peak of approximately 124, placing the state among the top four most affected in the country. The infestation in Chihuahua is primarily concentrated in cattle, with 96 reported cases, though it also affects dogs and horses. Local officials have noted that recent rainfall and humidity are contributing to the spread of the fly.