More than 15 million sterile flies have been released across Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Azuero, and Veraguas, along with 590 field investigations and visits to producers in identified areas. These efforts are part of the operation launched by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) in coordination with COPEG, aimed at the control and eradication of the New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax).

As part of these actions, the surveillance operation continues in the affected areas. Evaluations and reinforcements have been carried out at animal movement control checkpoints. New checkpoints have been established in María Chiquita and Batería 35 in Colón, and the Chilibre "Y" checkpoint in northern Panama has been reactivated.

Suspected cases in the identified zones are also being addressed, and larvicidal products for wound treatment, as well as control and prevention of screwworm infestations, have been acquired.

The strategies also include an update session for veterinarians in the province of Coclé, along with training sessions for producers and professionals in Penonomé, Coclé, and educational talks for members of the Association of Small Animal Veterinarians (AMVEPE), producers, and other professionals.

The distribution of flyers and POP materials at livestock auctions, slaughterhouses, and agricultural veterinary stores, as well as the installation of billboards and posters at strategic points nationwide, is also part of the ongoing actions throughout the country to control this screwworm resurgence as quickly as possible.

This week, MIDA Minister Augusto Valderrama signed a Declaration of Animal Health Emergency across the entire national territory, during a meeting with Michon Oubichon, Associate Deputy Administrator of APHIS, International Services – Action Programs, and authorities from the Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of the Screwworm (COPEG).

Source: https://mida.gob.pa/