Escalating Screwworm Outbreaks Reported in Campeche Regions
In the heart of the Mayan region of Campeche, the small towns of Calkiní and Hopelchén have recently become the latest victims of the ongoing screwworm myiasis outbreak. Neither of these municipalities borders any of the four municipalities that remain free of the disease, but both share borders with the affected state of Yucatán and the municipality of Calakmul, which has been battling the parasite since the beginning of the epidemic.
The increase in cases is strongly linked to illegal cattle movement from Central America, facilitating parasite transmission across borders. This uncontrolled livestock smuggling has aggravated infestations since November 2024 and overwhelmed local containment efforts.
The disease, initially concentrated in Campeche, has recently extended to neighboring southeastern states such as Yucatán and Chiapas. The first human case in Yucatán was detected in August 2025, and new cases in Chiapas were reported as early as February 2025, indicating expansion beyond Campeche. The increased incidence and spread have prompted authorities to implement prevention measures, such as treatments for livestock and heightened monitoring to try to contain the parasite, Cochliomyia hominivorax.
In Campeche, the number of screwworm myiasis cases in animals has risen from 169 to 214 in less than a month. Calkiní and Hopelchén have each registered one case, bringing the total number of affected municipalities in Campeche to six. The municipality with the highest prevalence of the disease continues to be Candelaria.
Two municipalities in Campeche, Calkiní and Hopelchén, have been affected by screwworm myiasis, which were previously disease-free. This development has made the call to close the borders with Guatemala and Belize more urgent, as the disease has now spread to municipalities in the Mayan region of Campeche. The state secretary general of the National Peasant Confederation, Luis Felipe Mora Hernández, has previously urged authorities to close the borders with Guatemala and Belize, a call that remains relevant as the newly affected municipality, Hopelchén, borders Calakmul, which is near the border with Guatemala.
At least four animals have been killed by screwworm myiasis in Candelaria and Champotón, according to livestock producers. Despite these challenges, the World Organization for Animal Health's statement that four municipalities in Campeche remain free of the disease remains unchanged.
The ongoing screwworm myiasis outbreak in Campeche underscores the need for stronger government intervention and veterinary controls to curb the spread of the disease and protect both animal and human health.
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