Juarez implements New World screwworm prevention measures
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (KVIA) -- Tuesday, the Juarez Municipal Government said it's working to strengthen efforts to detect and combat New World screwworm. The parasite, known to harm livestock, is present in the state of Chihuahua and Texas.
NWS larvae "screw" themselves into open wounds with sharp mouth hooks.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said there are 4 active NWS cases in the U.S. along the Texas-Mexico border.
During a meeting Tuesday, officials reviewed preventative actions. The government mentioned a coordinated strategy designed to prevent, detect, report and act on any suspected cases.
Juarez Mayor Héctor Rafael Ortiz Orpinel; Coordinator Enrique Licón Chávez; City Secretary Miguel Mendoza Escamilla; and the heads of the Ecology, Civil Protection, Health, Social Media, Animal Welfare and Care (DABA), and Social Communication departments, as well as councilwomen from the Ecology and Civil Protection committees met.
Through DABA, the municipal government said it will permanently link with the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica).
These officials made plans to establish a municipal prevention and response committee, improve coordination with state and federal health authorities, the municipal government said.
Plans also include implementing preventative patrols, training personnel and establishing mechanisms for getting and following up on citizen reports.
Officials also considered a "Municipal Early Warning Network," which would help with surveillance for detection, the municipal government said. Veterinarians, clinics, producers, livestock associations, shelters, securers, universities, rural communities and municipal staff could participate.
“We will maintain coordinated efforts with authorities at other levels of government, academic institutions, and specialists to protect animal health and reduce the risk of screwworm infestation in Ciudad Juárez,” Mayor Ortiz Orpinel said.
