Belize Strengthens New World Screwworm Defenses With Livestock Training Workshops

Belize continues to ramp up efforts to protect its livestock industry from the threat of the New World Screwworm. Yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in collaboration with several national and regional partners, hosted a specialized training workshop in Progresso and Sarteneja villages in the Corozal District aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness against the destructive parasite. The workshop brought together thirty-seven livestock producers, extension officers, and animal health professionals who received training on how to identify signs of infestation, report suspected cases, and implement measures to prevent the spread of the pest. The Ministry of Health and Wellness along with The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries stressed that vigilance at the farm level is critical, noting that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in preventing widespread outbreaks that could have devastating economic consequences for Belize’s cattle industry and other livestock operations. While the primary focus was New World Screwworm preparedness, participants also received information on other livestock diseases, including rabies, blackleg, and tick fever. However, organizers say the training was largely designed to ensure producers are equipped with the knowledge needed to protect their animals from the re-emerging threat of screwworm infestations. The initiative was carried out through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, the Regional International Organization for Plant and Animal Health, and the Belize Livestock Producers Association, all of which continue to work together to safeguard Belize’s livestock sector from emerging animal health threats./////