UNAM and Mexico City join forces to combat screwworm parasite

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has joined forces with the Mexico City Congress to combat the spread of the screwworm parasite (Cochliomyia hominivorax). This collaborative effort focuses on information, prevention, and inspection through citizen service modules.

According to data from the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica), there are currently 16 active cases in the capital distributed across eight boroughs, including Xochimilco, Tlalpan, and Iztapalapa. The total cumulative number of infections has reached 55 cases across 12 boroughs.

Carlos Guillermo Gutiérrez, director of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (FMVZ), has urged owners of pets and livestock—including dogs, cats, horses, cows, and sheep—to strictly monitor wounds. He warned that if wounds do not heal or if larvae are present, immediate veterinary attention is required. The faculty has already treated a positive case of myiasis in a dog within Ciudad Universitaria. The UNAM will reinforce prevention through informative talks and field inspections by FMVZ doctors to examine suspicious cases.