Veterinary authorities in Belize are confronting a severe resurgence of the New World Screwworm parasite, prompting urgent warnings to livestock owners and pet guardians nationwide. Reimer’s Feed Mill, a prominent agricultural supplier, has issued critical alerts regarding multiple confirmed cases of this dangerous pest that feeds on living tissue of warm-blooded animals.
The parasitic infestation, previously controlled through rigorous government measures implemented last year, has reemerged with potentially devastating consequences for Belize’s agricultural sector. Veterinary technician Amir Zuniga emphasized the extreme urgency of daily animal inspections, noting that any open wounds or scratches become targets for screwworm flies that deposit eggs in flesh injuries.
Without prompt intervention, Zuniga warned, infestations can progress rapidly to fatal outcomes as larvae consume vital organs and cause severe systemic infections. The psychological and physical trauma for affected animals involves hundreds to thousands of worms burrowing under skin tissue, creating excruciating discomfort.
Agricultural authorities recommend immediate consultation with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), local veterinarians, or Reimer’s branch network for emergency treatment protocols. The current outbreak represents a significant setback to previous containment efforts and threatens both economic stability and animal welfare across the nation.