The New World screwworm, notorious for infesting and consuming living tissue of various animals and humans, is significantly moving north after years of eradication efforts. The U.S. had successfully contained the pest with advanced sterilization techniques and a strategically established barrier at the Darién Gap, preventing its spread from Panama. However, in 2022, this barrier was compromised, leading to a dramatic increase in screwworm cases in Panama. By 2024, the parasite advanced considerably into Mexico, prompting the U.S. to suspend live-cattle imports from the affected areas, highlighting renewed concerns over agricultural and public health risks.
After decades of aerial war against New World screwworms, the pest has breached control measures, raising concerns over its alarming northward spread toward the U.S.
The U.S. and its partners established a successful barrier against screwworms, but increased cases in Panama signal the re-emergence of this devastating parasite.
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