SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has announced a pivotal investment aimed at combating the New World screwworm across Central America. This initiative focuses on enhancing prevention and eradication actions under the One Health approach, as confirmed by the Institute’s director general.
“The New World screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock farming and our exports. Thus, we must bolster investments, surveillance, and training, coupled with a robust institutional framework,” stated the director while addressing attendees at the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) meeting in San Jose.
The New World screwworm (Cochliomya hominivorax) impacts mainly cattle but can also affect other domestic and wild species, including humans. This disease not only threatens public health but also leads to productivity losses and diminishes competitiveness within the agricultural sector.
Although the New World screwworm was eradicated from Central America in the early 2000s, recent cases emerged in Panama and Costa Rica in 2023, with reports in Nicaragua and Honduras surfacing in 2024. In response, regional countries are actively enhancing their prevention and control measures.
IICA intends to allocate USD 250,000 toward strategic initiatives aimed at combating the New World screwworm in 2025. The focus will be on strengthening communication, awareness campaigns, and health education, as well as improving case notification and reporting, while supporting the procurement of sampling kits and therapeutic products to enhance regional responses.
As part of its ongoing efforts to tackle agrifood production challenges, IICA is implementing a project focused on capacity building in risk management and communication for the effective eradication of the New World screwworm in Central America and Mexico.
This initiative is designed to improve awareness and understanding of the disease, benefiting approximately 60,000 people involved in agricultural production, including members of indigenous communities, in Central America and Mexico.
“We are committed to eradicating this disease and supporting countries in need,” emphasized the director. “IICA is here to assist each nation, and only through a united regional strategy can we address these pressing challenges and promote agricultural and rural development.”
The CAC meeting also featured the introduction of Priscila Rech Moser, the newly appointed agricultural attaché of the Brazilian embassy in Costa Rica. Her appointment signifies the geopolitical importance of Central America to Brazil and other southern regions.
Participants also discussed the European Union Deforestation Regulation 1115 and its implications for the region and explored projects advocating for women’s and youth participation in family farming within value chains. Additionally, strategic discussions were held in preparation for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) set to take place in Brazil this November.
