The National Directorate of Animal Health, in response to the unusual increase in cases of New World Screwworm in the Province of Darién, announces
February 27, 2023

The Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of the New World Screwworm (COPEG) is a global success story. Through a cooperative agreement between the United States and Panama, the sterile fly production and dispersal operations, as well as epidemiological surveillance in eastern Panama and Darién, serve to maintain a biological barrier that prevents the reestablishment of the New World Screwworm (GBG) in screwworm-free areas of Panama, Central, and North America—saving the livestock sector over 3 billion dollars annually across the region.

Because of this success, producers, we must not let our guard down!

Due to the unusual increase in GBG cases in the province of Darién (749 cases to date), many of which have occurred within just 21 days—the complete life cycle of the fly—COPEG announces the declaration of a GBG outbreak in this province. Darién is a vulnerable zone due to its connection with South America, where the pest is still present, and the occasional entry of fertile GBG flies.

Additionally, 33 positive cases have been reported in the communities of Pigandí, Catrigantí, Palmas Bellas, and the districts of Chepo and Chimán in Panama province—areas near Darién.

The primary reason for the increased number of cases is the lack of proper prevention and wound treatment (navel wounds, dehorning, abrasions, castration, vampire bat bites, among others).

In response to this situation, we are implementing the following actions:

  • Extension and intensification of aerial sterile fly dispersal.
  • Ground release of sterile flies in affected areas.
  • Systematic inspection of all animals passing through the Animal Movement Control Points in Agua Fría, Platanilla, Loma Bonita, Río Iglesias, and Capira.
  • Epidemiological tracing in zones where cases have been detected.

Given these circumstances, we request the cooperation and commitment of producers and all personnel involved in animal care, especially in the provinces of Panama and Darién, in the following activities:

  • Frequent inspection of their animals.
  • Prevention and treatment of all wounds, especially newborns' navels.
  • Collection of screwworm samples (in any life stage) and delivery to COPEG or MIDA personnel.
  • Immediate reporting to COPEG personnel and/or through the toll-free hotline 800-2673.
  • Pre-shipment inspections and transportation of only healthy animals.

We urge transporters to cooperate and stop at the Animal Movement Control Points to ensure proper inspection and to help prevent the spread of the pest beyond the control zones.

We also urge media outlets to support the dissemination of these messages. We are available to answer any questions.

We thank everyone for their cooperation. Now more than ever, COPEG and MIDA need your support. Our field teams continue working with dedication and determination to protect the livestock heritage of our country.

Dr. Cecilia De Escobar
National Director of Animal Health

The National Directorate of Animal Health, in response to the unusual increase in cases of New World Screwworm in the Province of Darién, announces
February 27, 2023

The Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of the New World Screwworm (COPEG) is a global success story. Through a cooperative agreement between the United States and Panama, the sterile fly production and dispersal operations, as well as epidemiological surveillance in eastern Panama and Darién, serve to maintain a biological barrier that prevents the reestablishment of the New World Screwworm (GBG) in screwworm-free areas of Panama, Central, and North America—saving the livestock sector over 3 billion dollars annually across the region.

Because of this success, producers, we must not let our guard down!

Due to the unusual increase in GBG cases in the province of Darién (749 cases to date), many of which have occurred within just 21 days—the complete life cycle of the fly—COPEG announces the declaration of a GBG outbreak in this province. Darién is a vulnerable zone due to its connection with South America, where the pest is still present, and the occasional entry of fertile GBG flies.

Additionally, 33 positive cases have been reported in the communities of Pigandí, Catrigantí, Palmas Bellas, and the districts of Chepo and Chimán in Panama province—areas near Darién.

The primary reason for the increased number of cases is the lack of proper prevention and wound treatment (navel wounds, dehorning, abrasions, castration, vampire bat bites, among others).

In response to this situation, we are implementing the following actions:

  • Extension and intensification of aerial sterile fly dispersal.
  • Ground release of sterile flies in affected areas.
  • Systematic inspection of all animals passing through the Animal Movement Control Points in Agua Fría, Platanilla, Loma Bonita, Río Iglesias, and Capira.
  • Epidemiological tracing in zones where cases have been detected.

Given these circumstances, we request the cooperation and commitment of producers and all personnel involved in animal care, especially in the provinces of Panama and Darién, in the following activities:

  • Frequent inspection of their animals.
  • Prevention and treatment of all wounds, especially newborns' navels.
  • Collection of screwworm samples (in any life stage) and delivery to COPEG or MIDA personnel.
  • Immediate reporting to COPEG personnel and/or through the toll-free hotline 800-2673.
  • Pre-shipment inspections and transportation of only healthy animals.

We urge transporters to cooperate and stop at the Animal Movement Control Points to ensure proper inspection and to help prevent the spread of the pest beyond the control zones.

We also urge media outlets to support the dissemination of these messages. We are available to answer any questions.

We thank everyone for their cooperation. Now more than ever, COPEG and MIDA need your support. Our field teams continue working with dedication and determination to protect the livestock heritage of our country.

Dr. Cecilia De Escobar
National Director of Animal Health