Screwworm has infected 15 dogs on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Yucatán Rural Development Secretariat (Seder) reported that cases of the cattle screwworm in the state have increased to 83, after 18 new infections were detected in the last week in 12 municipalities.

Although most of the infections have been reported in cattle and one horse, what is particularly worrying is the confirmation of a third domestic dog affected in the Yucatecan capital, Mérida.

This recent canine case involves an eight-year-old dog with a tail injury that was promptly treated and has now recovered.

This follows the second case confirmed on July 22 in a dog in the municipality of Tetiz, and the first diagnosis in a dog in May in the municipality of Tzucacab, bringing the number of infected dogs in the state to three in 2025.

How to identify injuries?

Screwworm injuries have been located mainly in the navel, horn, thigh, back, and neck of the animals, affecting municipalities such as Tizimín, Tzucacab, Oxkutzcab, and Izamal.

The Seder has emphasized that, thanks to timely reports from owners, all infected animals have received treatment and recovered. The agency emphasizes the importance of examining any wound on livestock or pets, no matter how minor, to prevent the spread of this parasite.

The Seder (National Health Service) is working in coordination with Senasica (National Health Service) to strengthen surveillance throughout the state. They encourage the public to report any possible screwworm cases to the toll-free number 800-751-2100, via WhatsApp at 55-3996-6642, or through the Avise app.

The screwworm in the southeast

In addition to the 83 confirmed cases in Yucatán, another 299 cases have been detected in Campeche and 73 in Quintana Roo, according to data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WAHIS).

According to the latest report issued on July 15, screwworm larvae have been detected in Campeche in one buffalo, 248 cattle, 11 dogs , 20 horses, 8 sheep, and 11 pigs.

In Quintana Roo, the animals affected by this plague are 65 cattle, two dogs , two horses and 15 pigs.