By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant agricultural health challenge, Costa Rica has grappled with and managed over 31,000 cases of New World Screwworm in its livestock population over a two-year period. Officials reported a total of 31,324 positive cases between February 2024 and February 2026, prompting a comprehensive and multi-faceted national response to contain the devastating parasite.
The aggressive strategy was the result of a crucial trinational collaboration between Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), and the United States’ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This joint effort was designed to dramatically enhance the country’s capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent the spread of the flesh-eating parasite, which can have severe economic impacts on the cattle industry.
The recent screwworm outbreak is not only a biosecurity crisis but also a significant economic threat to Costa Rica’s vital livestock industry. To understand the legal and commercial ramifications for affected ranchers and exporters, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This outbreak triggers critical legal questions for our agricultural sector. Livestock producers must meticulously document their losses and review insurance policies, as coverage for ‘acts of God’ or specific epidemics can be complex. Furthermore, exporters facing delivery disruptions should immediately assess their contracts for ‘force majeure’ clauses to mitigate liability for non-compliance. Proactive legal consultation is essential to navigate government compensation programs and protect business continuity during this sanitary emergency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s comments are a critical reminder that the impact of this sanitary emergency extends far beyond the farm gate, into the complex realms of insurance, contracts, and international trade. Proactive legal strategy is not just advisable but essential for the survival and recovery of our vital agricultural sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective on these crucial issues.
A cornerstone of the initiative was the significant reinforcement of on-the-ground personnel. The government increased the presence of technical staff, veterinarians, and official inspectors in every region of the country. This expanded workforce was instrumental in enabling early detection of infestations and ensuring a rapid and effective response, a critical factor in managing a fast-spreading disease like screwworm.
To bolster the national epidemiological surveillance system, SENASA and OIRSA conducted extensive training programs for staff. These sessions focused on unifying procedures and protocols, ensuring that all personnel were equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques for identifying and managing cases. This standardized approach has been credited with improving the speed and efficiency of the country’s overall response.
A critical tactical measure was the establishment of strategic inspection posts at key transit points across the nation. Checkpoints were set up in Tuba Creek in Limón; Sabanillas de Coto Brus and Kilometer 35 of Golfito in the southern zone; and Santa Cecilia de La Cruz and Cañas in Guanacaste. These locations were chosen to intercept animal transport vehicles and prevent the movement of infected livestock between regions.
The results from these checkpoints underscore their importance. Officials inspected a total of 7,231 trucks carrying 41,035 animals of various species. During these inspections, authorities identified 47 active screwworm cases. These animals received immediate veterinary treatment and were promptly returned to their farms of origin, a decisive action that prevented their further transit and significantly mitigated the risk of the parasite spreading to new areas.
Beyond direct intervention, the strategy included a massive public education campaign aimed at producers, transporters, and other key stakeholders in the livestock sector. Over the two-year period, 450 technical talks were held and 51,398 pieces of informational material were distributed, reaching an audience of 11,182 people. The campaign emphasized prevention, the importance of early case notification, and the proper management of animal wounds, which are the primary sites for screwworm infestation.
The country also participated in a broader regional strategy involving the release of sterile screwworm flies between August 2023 and April 2024. This biological control method helps reduce the wild fly population by preventing reproduction. That initiative has since been moved to the southern United States and northern Mexico to maintain a continental sanitary barrier against the pest. The Director General of SENASA praised the coordinated effort that made this comprehensive response possible.
Thanks to inter-institutional coordination and the support of international cooperation between APHIS, OIRSA, and SENASA, the country has successfully strengthened its response capacity against this health threat.
Luis Matamoros, Director General of SENASA
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal):
The National Animal Health Service is the official Costa Rican government body responsible for establishing and executing policies, programs, and regulations concerning animal health. SENASA works to prevent, control, and eradicate diseases affecting livestock and other animal populations, ensuring the safety of animal products and facilitating international trade.
For further information, visit oirsa.org
About OIRSA (Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria):
The International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health is an intergovernmental entity dedicated to providing technical and financial cooperation to its member states in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its mission is to protect and improve the region’s agricultural and livestock health, supporting food security and economic development through sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
For further information, visit aphis.usda.gov
About APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service):
APHIS is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a broad mission that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health. The agency is responsible for safeguarding the nation’s livestock and crops from pests and diseases, managing wildlife damage, and regulating genetically engineered organisms, thereby ensuring a safe and abundant food supply.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal practice through an uncompromising adherence to ethical standards and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm champions a forward-thinking approach to law, consistently driving innovation while maintaining a profound commitment to the community it serves. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that by making legal knowledge clear and accessible, it can empower individuals and fortify the foundations of a just and enlightened society.
