Screwworm returns to Guatemala

Today, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Guatemala held a press conference addressing the growing threat of the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Central America. This parasite poses serious risks to livestock and human health, as its larvae infest and feed on open wounds in mammals. Concerns have heightened recently due to the screwworm's expansion, with recent cases in Costa Rica and Panama, and increased risks in Guatemala, particularly near the Honduran border.

For many years, food security has been a significant topic of discussion, with concerns often focused on issues like drought caused by climate change. However, many overlook an essential aspect: traceability. It is incredibly valuable to know exactly where your food is coming from. I would describe cattle movement into Guatemala as resembling migration patterns, which, incidentally, align with the path of the current screwworm outbreak.

I am a strong advocate for beef, especially when it is produced regeneratively to benefit the environment. Everyone should benefit! When I heard this morning’s press conference, I wasn’t surprised, as I have been advocating for increased traceability for months. Here is how I would handle this situation.

1. Initial Screening and Quarantine

• Inspection at Entry Points: Conduct detailed inspections of all livestock entering the country.
• Quarantine Stations: Set up quarantine zones at major entry points where cattle can be monitored for screwworm larvae and other parasites. Apply adequate treatments and deworming protocols as needed to prevent further development.
• Documentation and Identification: Record and tag each animal with a unique identifier linked to origin and health records, enabling traceability from entry to the destination. Use RFID or ear tags for efficient digital tracking.

2. Health Monitoring System

• National Tracking System: Implement a centralized digital database to document and monitor the health status of each animal, including inspection records, treatment logs, and movement throughout the country.
• Routine Inspections: Mandate scheduled inspections during livestock transport and upon arrival at holding facilities to detect and treat any infestation early.
• Collaboration: Establish partnerships with licensed veterinary networks and OIRSA (International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health) for training and continuous monitoring, enabling early detection and response.

3. Health and Safety Measurements at Holding Facilities

• Facility Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of feedlots, holding pens, and livestock markets. Any detected cases should trigger containment protocols, including treatment and isolation of affected animals.
• Sanitation and Wound Care: Provide facilities with resources for wound care and larvicide treatments to prevent infestation on any new injuries.
• Data Sharing and Reporting: Develop a reporting system for facilities to communicate health status to the national database, providing traceability and facilitating quick responses to outbreaks.

4. Processing Facility Standards and Safety Checks

• Pre-Processing Health Checks: Inspect animals again before slaughter to ensure they are free of infestation. If an animal shows symptoms, isolate it and conduct further inspections on others from the same group.
• Continuous Traceability Records: Maintain records from entry to slaughter, allowing authorities to trace back any outbreak to specific animals and origin points for targeted interventions.
• Waste and Byproduct Management: Dispose of animal byproducts in a secure and regenerative manner.

5. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns

• Producer Training Programs: Conduct training on screwworm identification, wound management, and the importance of early reporting.
• Public Awareness for Early Detection: Run information campaigns in rural and farming communities to encourage collaboration and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
• Collaboration with Regional Organizations: Leverage international support from bodies like OIRSA for resources, expertise, and cross-border coordination in surveillance and control measures.

The biggest obstacle will be encouraging smallholders and ranchers to collaborate with the government. The government cannot intervene effectively until it demonstrates a genuine willingness to support ranchers in combating this disease. There is a widespread misconception that the government aims to track animals simply to impose taxes and generate revenue. The government will ultimately receive its fair share if it focuses on building trust with ranchers and ensuring they can produce the highest quality products.

The government has extensive resources and some of the most qualified personnel in safety standards; however, it is the producers who appear disconnected from developing processes and procedures. This is because no one has previously offered them support without seeming to take advantage of them. If this can be achieved, the screwworm can be eradicated once again like it was in 1994.