Costa Rica shares approach against screwworm with countries in the region

Costa Rica shared its experiences and progress in combating the New World screwworm during an international forum. Since the first infection in July 2023, more than 39,500 cases have been recorded in the country. Of these, 3,154 were still active at the time of the forum.

The forum, themed “New World screwworm: regional efforts and national dynamics – the situation in Costa Rica”, was organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Representatives of governments, the private sector, educational institutions, health organisations and international cooperation partners took part.

The meeting formed part of a training and communication programme by IICA and the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS/USDA. The programme has been implemented for two years to better coordinate the prevention, control and eventual eradication of the parasite in Central America and Mexico.

More than 39,500 cases

The New World screwworm reappeared in the region in 2022, after infections were detected in Panama. The parasite had been eradicated there about 20 years earlier. Costa Rica recorded its first case on 14 July 2023.

According to figures from Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA), 39,535 cases have been identified since then. Of these, 3,154 were still active.

The larvae of the screwworm fly can feed on living tissue in open wounds. This makes the parasite a threat to livestock, pets, wild animals and humans.

Thousands of people trained

Over the past two years, more than 300 training sessions have been provided in Costa Rica through the IICA and APHIS/USDA cooperation project. More than 8,000 people took part, including livestock farmers, technicians, veterinarians, students, members of Indigenous communities, healthcare workers, animal rescuers and staff at protected natural areas.

In addition, 45 information activities were held, reaching more than 32,000 people. Educational messages about combating the parasite in pets and wild animals were also broadcast through 54 radio stations.

Costa Rican Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Fernando Vargas stated that his country is better prepared than it was three years ago, thanks to training, technical support, sample collection and guidance for producers. He stressed, however, that the work has not yet been completed.

According to Vargas, Costa Rica is currently in the control phase. This must eventually lead to the complete eradication of the screwworm in Central and North America.

Regional cooperation necessary

IICA Deputy Director General Lloyd Day confirmed that the organisation will continue to support countries in the region in protecting animal health, livestock farming and the livelihoods of rural communities.

According to IICA programme head José Urdaz, no country or institution can tackle the threat independently. He therefore pointed to the importance of cooperation between IICA, USDA-APHIS, the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) and the countries involved.

Within Central America and Mexico, more than 49,000 people have now been trained through the joint programme during more than 1,300 activities. Nearly 500,000 information materials have also been distributed.

Jennifer Savage, minister-counsellor at the US Embassy in Costa Rica, called the country an example for the region. She pointed, among other things, to public information campaigns, training for producers, mobile laboratories, treatment of infections in humans and animals, and checks on livestock transport.

Approach according to the One Health principle

During the forum, it was emphasised that combating the parasite is not solely the responsibility of the livestock sector. The parasite affects human, animal and environmental health.

María José Lafuente of the epidemiological department of the Costa Rican Ministry of Health therefore advocated a joint approach based on the so-called One Health principle. Under this approach, health services, veterinary authorities and environmental organisations work closely together.

According to the Costa Rican livestock organisation CORFOGA, an important point of attention remains encouraging producers to report suspected cases in time. Rapid reporting and treatment are necessary to prevent further spread.

The approach in Costa Rica is coordinated by a committee led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. IICA, APHIS/USDA, OIRSA and other partners are also part of it.

OIRSA representative Gabriela Zúñiga warned that control efforts can only succeed if all countries assume their responsibility. According to her, cooperation has helped Costa Rica move from an alarm situation to an organised and sustainable approach.