Belize Remains Free of Screwworm, But Risks Loom

Belize remains free of the New World Screwworm, a pest that poses a significant threat to livestock, but authorities warn that the risk of an outbreak is growing. Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai has been holding weekly meetings with his technical teams to monitor the rising number of cases in neighbouring countries. Following a meeting in Yo Creek Village, Minister Mai and BAHA Managing Director Zoe Robinson-Zetina provided updates on the situation.

Zoe Robinson-Zetina confirmed that Belize is currently free of screwworms but highlighted the importance of active surveillance. “We do not have screwworms in Belize, and we are going through active surveillance to ensure we know the health status of our country,” she said. She added that neighbouring Guatemala has reported 26 cases, including one in Petén, the closest to Belize. Meanwhile, Honduras is grappling with over 70 cases, despite efforts to control the spread.

The New World Screwworm burrows into the flesh of animals, causing severe, often fatal damage. Minister Mai outlined key preventive measures, including education and awareness, controlling the movement of animals, treating wounds promptly, reporting cases quickly, and dispersing sterile flies. “We are telling farmers now: you cannot have animals wounded on the farm. Treat it. If there are no wounds, the fly cannot lay eggs,” he said.

Belize’s cattle industry, valued at $100 million, is particularly vulnerable. Minister Mai expressed concern about the potential impact on cattle exports. He pointed out that a single case in Mexico recently led the United States to ban Mexican cattle imports, highlighting the economic risks Belize could face. “The resources the government has put towards screwworm control right now are more than what we get from the region. This is how serious the government is looking at this,” Mai stated.

BAHA has ramped up border surveillance, especially in unofficial crossing points like Jalacte and Bullet Tree.

While Belize’s strict measures are commendable, experts believe an outbreak is inevitable. “It is spreading so rapidly in Central America that we believe it will be introduced in Belize,” Robinson-Zetina said. The Ministry of Agriculture has drafted legislation to quarantine affected areas and deploy resources quickly if a case is detected.

Minister Mai described the worst-case scenario: “Block off Toledo, put control points in place.”