A. M. The Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG) has declared an animal health emergency in El Salvador following the detection of the cattle screwworm (GBG), a pest that can also affect humans. The first case in almost 30 years was identified on december 10, 2024 through the epidemiological surveillance system and confirmed by the Veterinary Laboratory Network.
GBG, eradicated in the country since 1995, represents a serious threat to livestock. The pest was confirmed in a cattle in the district of Sociedad, Morazán Sur, and subsequently validated on december 13 by the laboratory of the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (Copeg). As of January 11, 2025, Copeg already reported two cases in the country.
The screwworm is the larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly, which deposits its eggs in open wounds of animals and humans. Once the larvae hatch, they feed on the host’s living tissue, causing deep and painful lesions. If left untreated, the infestation can lead to severe infection, necrosis and even death of the affected animal.
The emergency declaration seeks to coordinate actions to contain the spread of the pest and minimize its impact on livestock production. The MAG is expected to implement control measures such as epidemiological surveillance, quarantine of affected animals and education campaigns for farmers on the identification and prevention of GBG.
The return of the screwworm puts animal and human health at risk, in addition to threatening the economy of the livestock sector. Authorities should reinforce sanitary controls and work together with international organizations to avoid a major outbreak affecting national production.
Given this scenario, Salvadoran cattle farmers are awaiting concrete measures from the government to stop the spread of the parasite. Coordination between the public and private sectors will be key to mitigate the impact and avoid significant losses in the livestock industry.
