QCOSTARICA — The United States announced it will donate to Costa Rica an amount close to US$10 million dollars so that our country can carry out intensive control and eradication work to eliminate the Gusano Barrenador (screwworm) disease.
SENASA, the Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (National Animal Health Service), through the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA), will manage US$4.95 million dollars, and the remaining amount will be managed through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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“With these resources, SENASA will execute an Intensive Immediate Action Program, over a two-year period, which includes more technical personnel in the field and in control and surveillance posts, acquisition of equipment, kits for capturing worms, medicines, among others,” detailed the Minister of Agricdulture and Livestock (MAG), Víctor Carvajal at the Press Conference at Casa Presidencial.
About 50% of the donated resources will be used to cover the cost of flights to disperse sterile male flies, which is the main technique used to eradicate the worm.
Since Costa Rica detected the presence of the screwworm in July 2023, the USDA has worked with the MAG.
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, Cynthia Telles, pointed out that “since the beginning of this outbreak we are committed – as always – to continuing until the end. We understand that fighting a pest like this requires persistence and dedication. We trust that together we can eliminate this threat again.”
Current situation of the disease in the country
In July of last year, the first case was confirmed in the canton of Corredores; A dog was the first animal recorded as carrying the disease and it was confirmed that it entered through the southern border with Panama.
This week, 300 cases of screwworm were recorded in different parts of the country. In addition, the first and only case in humans is reported.
Ante la confirmación del primer caso de gusano barrenador en una persona.
Les compartimos información sobre esta enfermedad. pic.twitter.com/fA27Oj2cC7— Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica (@msaludcr) February 26, 2024
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This is a man residing in Pavón de Golfito, the attention of this case is coordinated with the Ministry of Health.
All diagnoses have been confirmed by the National Laboratory of Veterinary Services, LANASEVE, of SENASA.
Declaration of State of Emergency
On February 7, the Government of Costa Rica signed the decree declaring a State of Health Emergency to combat the plague. Among other actions, SENASA has maintained active surveillance on the farms where cases are detected and suspicious complaints are attended to at livestock auctions, veterinary pharmacies and residential homes.
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In addition, around 15 million sterile male flies are being dispersed, in 5 flights per week nationwide, and traps are being placed to identify the presence of the fly, with the aim of defining the affected areas and establishing control measures.
Checkpoints were also established to inspect the animals being transported and verify that they are not being transported with worms or injuries. As a health measure, the transportation of animals is regulated, so that they can only be moved between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
If a suspicious case is observed in production animals, SENASA recommends avoiding moving the animal and following the following steps:
- Clean the wound (using gloves, heal with larvicidal products that kill worms).
- Take samples (preferably in a test tube with alcohol).
- Immediately contact the nearest SENASA office.
Screwworm is a disease caused by the larvae of the fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) that lays its eggs in any open wound of a warm-blooded animal, including people. Hours after they have been deposited, the worms are born and feed on the living tissue.
Source: United States Embassy, San José, Costa Rica
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