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A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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[1]
Date: Wed 2 Oct 2024
Source: Prensa Latina [in Spanish, machine trans., edited]
https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/10/02/alertan-en-panama-sobre-rebrote-epidemico-de-gusano-barrenador/
Panama warns of new outbreak of screwworm epidemic
--------------------------------------------------
Panamanian authorities have warned of a new epidemic the country is
currently facing with cases of the cattle screwworm which also affects
humans.
In statements to Prensa Latina, Carlos Moreno, from the Panama-United
States Commission for the Eradication of the Screwworm (COPEG)
specified the rise of the plague in mid-2023 was due to the lack of
vigilance by both citizens and authorities during the COVID-19
pandemic.
In addition, he explained, the increase in cases, some 27 330 from
2022 to date, was due to other factors such as climate change,
movement control, and greater awareness among the population.
The screwworm is not only affecting livestock; humans and other animal
species are also being harmed.
In Panama, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) has recorded some 79 cases,
according to epidemiologist Damaris Contreras, who called on people
not to treat wounds at home but to go to health centers or hospitals.
The screwworm, which is laid by the fly _Cochliomyia hominivorax_,
feeds on the living tissue of animals and can be fatal if not treated
properly.
This fly seeks to lay its eggs in "fresh wounds" of any type of
warm-blooded animal. In a single wound, this fly can lay between 150
and 300 eggs, explained Lester Reyes, from Animal Health Epidemiology
at the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).
Once the larvae develop, they leave the wound and drop to the ground,
where they bury themselves until they reach the pupal stage and then
become adult flies. Therefore, when healing these wounds, the maggots
must be removed and eliminated immediately, because if they are left
alive they turn into flies.
Panama has the only plant for the production of sterile flies which
counteract the reproduction of flies laying the eggs of the
screwworm.
Specifically, the impact is occurring in other countries has led
Panama to suspend the distribution of sterile flies, said Reynaldo
Vivero, from MIDA, who also explained sterile flies are not being
distributed in the country, since they are being sent to other
countries to control the outbreak.
National authorities stress without the collaboration of citizens, the
media and producers it will be difficult to control the spread of this
plague, which affects not only the agricultural sector but also human
health.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED
******
[2]
Date: Thu 3 Oct 2024
Source: Midiario.com [in Spanish, machine trans., edited]
https://www.midiario.com/nacionales/preocupacion-por-brote-que-afecta-a-animales-y-humanos-en-panama/
Concern over outbreak affecting animals and humans in Panama
------------------------------------------------------------
Panamanian authorities are urging citizens and producers to increase
vigilance and take preventive measures to stop the spread of the
screwworm fly, which has caused thousands of cases in animals and
humans in the country.
Currently, more than 4700 cases of screwworms have been reported in
cattle so far this year [2024].
Greater surveillance and the implementation of preventive measures by
citizens and producers is what the authorities are calling for in
order to counteract the expansion of the screwworm fly, which
continues to affect the country.
The epidemic outbreak Panama is currently facing is due to the lack of
vigilance by both citizens and authorities during the pandemic,
coupled with factors such as climate change and movement control. Now,
its eradication is more difficult, so greater awareness of the
population is required.
"In mid-2023, we had a resurgence and a mobilization of the pest at
the national level," said Carlos Moreno, from the Panama-United States
Commission for the Eradication of the Screwworm (COPEG).
The screwworm does not only affect livestock; it also harms humans and
other animal species. Since 2022 to date, 27 330 species have been
affected, with bovines (22 546) and canines (1888) being the most
affected. 1057 cases have also been recorded in pigs.
The Ministry of Health has recorded 79 cases in humans, which have
been controlled without major complications. However, they urge people
not to treat wounds at home and to go to health centers or hospitals.
"Cases have been reported from 1 to 95 years of age, we have had a
variety of cases between adults and minors," said Damaris Contreras, a
veterinary doctor from the Ministry of Health.
According to figures from the Ministry of Health, the plague has
caused 17 968 cases to be recorded up to last September [2024].
The screwworm, which is laid by the fly _Cochliomyia hominivorax_ ,
feeds on the living tissue of animals and can be fatal if not treated
properly. This fly seeks to deposit its eggs in fresh wounds of any
warm-blooded animal. In a single wound, it can lay between 150 and 300
eggs, explained Lester Reyes, from Animal Health Epidemiology at the
Ministry of Agricultural Development.
Once the larvae develop, they leave the wound and burrow into the soil
to complete their life cycle, which in Panama lasts about 21 days. If
the pest is not controlled, the consequences will be significant
economic and social losses, including decreased productivity, animal
deaths and additional treatment costs.
Panama has the only plant for the production of sterile flies to
counteract the reproduction of the screwworm fly. However, due to the
impact in other countries, Panama has temporarily suspended the
distribution of sterile flies in the country to send them abroad and
help control the endemic outbreak, explained Reynaldo Vivero, from
MIDA.
Authorities urge citizens and producers to take the following
measures:
- Check animals daily for injuries, as well as vulnerable
individuals.
- Attend to and heal wounds immediately.
- If you detect a maggot infestation, act immediately. Treat animals
with approved larvicidal products and consult a veterinarian; for
humans, go to the nearest health center.
Follow up on affected wounds.
- Do not transport animals with lesions or worms to prevent the spread
of the disease.
- Report cases to the relevant authorities.
Without everyone's collaboration, it will be difficult to control the
spread of this pest, which affects not only the agricultural sector
but also human health.
[Byline: Eric Conte]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED
["Screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) which feed on living flesh.
These parasites can infect any warm-blooded animal, including humans.
Screwworms can enter wounds as well as body orifices, and feed on
living tissue in that area. If untreated, screwworm infestations can
be fatal. Screwworm has been eradicated in the United States (US), but
re-introductions do occur, most commonly in imported dogs and horses.
In 2016, New World screwworm infestations were detected in wild deer
and pets in the Florida Keys; successful eradication was announced in
March 2017.
"Geographic distribution: New World screwworm, _Cochliomyia
hominivorax_, is found in the western hemisphere, primarily in
tropical areas of South America and some Caribbean Islands. Old World
screwworm, _Chrysomya bezziana_, is found in warmer areas in the
eastern hemisphere (e.g., Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Persian
Gulf, and Middle East).
"Disease life cycle: Screwworm infestation begins when a female fly
lays eggs on a superficial wound or orifice of a warm-blooded animal.
Unlike typical maggots feeding on dead flesh, screwworms feed on
living tissue. One female can deposit up to 400 eggs at a time, and up
to 2800 eggs during a 10-30-day lifespan. Eggs hatch into larvae that
burrow into the wound or flesh to feed. After 5-7 days of feeding,
larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil, and pupate. The adult
screwworm fly emerges and mates after 3-5 days.
"Transmission: An adult screwworm fly can travel up to 125 miles (201
km) before laying eggs in a wound. Screwworms can also be transported
by animals and people travelling from infested areas.
"Screwworm infestation: Female screwworm flies are attracted to all
warm-blooded animals. Wounds that might become infested include those
caused by:
- tick bites,
- castration or dehorning,
- branding,
- shearing, and
- sore mouth in sheep.
"In addition, screwworms can infest the navels of newborn mammals and
mucous membranes of bodily orifices, including nostrils and sinuses,
eyes, mouth, ears, vulva, anus, prepuce, and urethral fossa.
"It may be difficult to visualize the screwworm maggots at the wound
surface, since only the breathing tubes of the maggot are exposed. As
the larvae feed on live tissue, they burrow into the tissue, creating
a deeper and wider wound. This deep burrowing is a distinctive feature
of screwworms; other maggots are surface feeders on dead tissue.
"Clinical signs: Infested animals may present with enlarging,
draining, foul-smelling wounds and weight loss; they may isolate
themselves and show signs of discomfort. Animals may die from
secondary infection or toxicity in 7-14 days if not treated.
"Reporting: Animal owners should report any unusual-looking wounds or
maggots on livestock or pets, particularly those imported from
countries where screwworm flies are found or with recent history of
international travel, to their local veterinarian. The veterinarian
will examine, collect, and send samples of suspicious larvae to the
laboratory for identification. If screwworm is suspected in a person,
they should contact their physician immediately. Samples of eggs,
larvae, or flies should be placed in 70% alcohol for transportation to
the diagnostic laboratory.
"Control: If screwworm is diagnosed, animal health officials will
quarantine the animal until daily wound care and treatments with
larvicides and insecticides have successfully eliminated the screwworm
larvae. The USDA and CDFA investigate cases and determine if
additional control measures, such as insecticidal treatment of the
environment or sterile fly release, are warranted.
"Screwworm is a foreign animal disease (in the USA) and must be
reported to [the state of origin] or USDA animal health officials
within 24 hours of diagnosis"
(https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/pdfs/Screwworm_Fact_Sheet.pdf).
This outbreak has been an ongoing issue for over 6 months in the
region. It's not clear if the previous report of sterile fly release
was in error and/or if difficulties have been encountered and
additional flies had to be released given the new cases reported. -
Mod.TG
ProMED map:
Panama: https://promedmail.org/promed-post?place=8719200,18]
[See Also:
New World screwworm - Honduras (02): (CH, OL) cattle
http://promedmail.org/post/20241002.8719115
New World screwworm - Honduras: cattle, horse
http://promedmail.org/post/20240919.8718861
Myiasis - Panama (03): New World screwworm (C. hominivorax) human,
more cases http://promedmail.org/post/20240819.8718264
New World screwworm - Nicaragua: (AS, RI, SJ) cattle
http://promedmail.org/post/20240515.8716529
New World screwworm: (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) cattle
http://promedmail.org/post/20240406.8715809
Myiasis - Panama (02): New World screwworm (C. hominivorax) human,
more cases http://promedmail.org/post/20240327.8715650
Myiasis - Panama: New World screwworm (C. hominivorax), human
http://promedmail.org/post/20240313.8715373
Myiasis - Costa Rica: (PU) New World screwworm (C. hominivorax),
human, 1st rep http://promedmail.org/post/20240301.8715127
2023
----
New World screwworm (02): (Costa Rica) livestock, dog, sterile fly
release http://promedmail.org/post/20230806.8711591
New World screwworm: (Panama, Costa Rica) livestock, dog, WOAH
http://promedmail.org/post/20230718.8711232
2022
----
New World screwworm - Panama: (PM) horse, WOAH
http://promedmail.org/post/20220911.8705494
2021
----
New world screwworm - Panama: (PM) cattle, OIE
http://promedmail.org/post/20210709.8504822
2020
----
New World screwworm - Ecuador: (LR) cattle, OIE
http://promedmail.org/post/20200122.6906538
2012
----
New world screwworm, cattle - Panama (02): OIE
http://promedmail.org/post/20120822.1257653
New world screwworm, cattle - Panama: (DR) OIE
http://promedmail.org/post/20120528.1148142
2003
----
Screwworm - Panama (02): OIE http://promedmail.org/post/20030424.1004
Screwworm - Mexico (Chiapas): (OIE)
http://promedmail.org/post/20030221.0453
Screwworm - Panama: alert http://promedmail.org/post/20030204.0311
2001
----
Screwworm - Mexico http://promedmail.org/post/20011123.2866]
.................................................mo/tg/may/jh
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