Quintana Roo Takes Action to Prevent Screw-Worm Threat

In light of a national alert from Guatemala regarding the presence of the screw-worm, Quintana Roo's Secretariat of Agricultural Development, Rural and Fisheries (SEDARPE) has initiated preventative measures. These actions are in collaboration with the National Service of Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), and the Ministry of Agriculture of Belize.

Jorge Aguilar Osorio, head of SEDARPE, noted that Quintana Roo has been free of this pest for over two decades. The aim is to maintain this status. He said, "We have taken preventative steps, alerting ranchers and continually monitoring both major and minor species to prevent the screw-worm from entering our state." This was stated during a meeting with government officials, representatives of cattle associations, and Belize's Minister of Agriculture, José Abelardo Mai.

Osorio emphasized that these actions align with Governor Mara Lezama's directive to prepare for any extraordinary event. He added, "Our duty is to safeguard the state's livestock, ensuring their health and hygienic quality, as outlined in the New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo."

The meeting also included representatives from the Regional Livestock Union, the State Animal Health Committee, the National Guard, the State Police, and health entities. All agreed to enhance monitoring and implement joint strategies to prevent the pest's entry.

The national alert in Guatemala, issued last October, raised concerns in the region due to the screw-worm's destructive potential, which can severely harm animals. Since then, border controls have been strengthened, and specific action plans have been developed to protect national territory, especially in Quintana Roo.