The screwworm infestation has now reached a new species in Mexico: domestic rabbits, with a recent case documented in Chiapas. This adds to the already alarming list of affected species, which includes nine domestic and livestock species, as well as six wildlife species and humans, all impacted by the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly. According to latest data reviewed by Milenio, there have been a total of 15,493 reported cases of screwworm infestation, with 687 of those being active cases as of February 12.

The majority of the reported cases involve cattle, which make up the largest percentage with 10,829 total cases, including 426 active cases spread across 18 states. The highest concentration of these instances can be found in the southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. However, cases have also emerged in the border state of Tamaulipas and in central states like Puebla and the State of Mexico, highlighting the pervasive spread of this pest.

Additionally, dogs have also been reported as a significant casualty of the infestation, with a total of 2,321 cases documented and 131 active cases across 13 states. The spread of this parasite poses a significant threat not only to livestock health and productivity but also to domestic animals and potentially human health, as the situation continues to develop in various regions of Mexico, prompting public health concerns and calls for more vigilant monitoring and response strategies.