Regional Alliance Intensifies Battle Against Screwworm

Countries Unite Against Growing Threat

Representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama gathered in Mexico City to strengthen regional defenses against the New World Screwworm (NWS). The workshop was organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture in partnership with USDA-APHIS and brought together veterinary authorities, technical experts, and private sector stakeholders focused on animal health.

According to Towards Healthcare, the Latin America animal health market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 7.86 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 17.33 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.18% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is being supported by increasing livestock production, rising pet healthcare spending, expanding veterinary infrastructure, stronger disease prevention initiatives, and growing adoption of advanced animal healthcare technologies across major Latin American economies, particularly Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

Strengthening Surveillance and Animal Movement

Participants reviewed regional epidemiological surveillance and animal movement protocols designed to improve prevention, detection, and response capabilities against the pest. The measures aim to support early reporting of infestations, strengthen sanitary controls, and reduce the risk of spreading the parasite through livestock transportation. Delegates also identified practical actions to help countries implement the protocols more effectively.

Technology and Cooperation Take Center Stage

Experts stressed the importance of regional collaboration and harmonized strategies to combat the pest, which affects cattle, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. The meeting featured practical exercises, epidemiological data analysis, and discussions on digital tools, canine units, and artificial intelligence for sanitary management. Participants exchanged real case experiences to improve monitoring systems and strengthen decision-making processes across borders.

Focus Remains on Long-Term Eradication

Officials emphasized that eradication remains the ultimate goal despite the operational and financial challenges ahead. Representatives from OIRSA, COPEG, SECAC, SENASICA, and livestock organizations highlighted the importance of stronger veterinary services, better communication, and coordinated regional action. Participants also visited Mexico’s Emergency Health Operations Center and Canine School to study field response methods and prevention strategies against the re-emerging pest.

Recommendations from the workshop included expanding epidemiological training, improving information sharing among institutions, increasing sterile fly production, and encouraging broader use of advanced technologies to protect livestock industries, regional trade, public health, and long-term agricultural stability throughout Mexico.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the Latin America animal health market is witnessing growth due to rising demand for livestock productivity, increasing awareness regarding animal disease prevention, expanding companion animal ownership, supportive government initiatives, technological advancements in veterinary diagnostics, and greater investments in vaccines, feed additives, and biologics alongside a stronger regional focus on safety and biosecurity.