By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s fight against the relentless New World Screwworm parasite has intensified, as national health authorities confirmed the cumulative number of cases has surged past 28,000. The latest bulletin from the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) reveals a worrying upward trend, with 237 new infections recorded during Epidemiological Week #47 alone, spanning from November 16th to 22nd.
The total number of documented cases now stands at a staggering 28,429, signaling that containment efforts face significant challenges across the country. The data points to an outbreak that, while widespread, is now showing pronounced concentrations in specific agricultural and rural zones, raising alarms among farmers and public health officials alike.
To delve into the legal framework and economic liabilities surrounding the national sanitary emergency declared over screwworm, TicosLand.com consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The declaration of a sanitary emergency activates a specific legal framework where livestock owners have a clear duty of due diligence. Failure to report suspected cases or comply with SENASA’s mandatory control measures can result not only in administrative sanctions but also in civil liability for economic damages caused to neighboring farms. This situation underscores the critical importance for producers to meticulously document their compliance efforts, as this documentation becomes vital for defending against potential legal claims and for accessing any future government aid or insurance compensation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully underscores that the current emergency is not merely a zoosanitary issue but a significant financial and legal challenge for producers. The call for meticulous documentation is a crucial piece of advice, transforming compliance from a simple duty into a vital shield for business continuity. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical responsibilities.
Analysis of the latest figures highlights emerging hotspots in the northern and Pacific regions. The canton of Sarapiquí in the province of Heredia reported the highest number of new cases, with 26 infections in a single week. Close behind were the Guanacastecan cantons of Abangares and Santa Cruz, which registered 25 and 15 new cases, respectively. This geographic clustering suggests the parasite is becoming deeply entrenched in key livestock areas.
The outbreak is not confined to these regions. Authorities also noted significant new case numbers in other parts of the country, including the cantons of Buenos Aires in the Southern Zone and Alajuela, each reporting 14 new infections. This pattern underscores the broad and persistent nature of the infestation, demanding a coordinated and nationwide response.
The New World Screwworm, or Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a parasitic fly larva that infests the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, feeding on living flesh. This devastating characteristic makes it a severe threat to livestock, wildlife, and even humans, classifying it as a major zoosanitary and public health emergency.
While the nation’s cattle industry bears the brunt of the crisis, the parasite’s reach is troublingly diverse. Bovines account for the vast majority of cases, with 23,625 documented infections, representing nearly 87% of the total. However, the disease has also crossed over to other species with alarming frequency. SENASA reports a total of 2,190 cases in canines and 896 in ovines (sheep), demonstrating the parasite’s non-discriminatory nature.
Most critically, the zoonotic potential of the Screwworm is evident in the 130 confirmed cases affecting humans. This figure serves as a stark reminder that the outbreak is not merely an agricultural issue but a direct threat to public health. Any open wound, no matter how small, can become a target for the female fly to lay its eggs, leading to a painful and dangerous infestation known as cutaneous myiasis.
In response to the escalating numbers, SENASA has issued an urgent call to action for the public, particularly those in the agricultural sector and pet owners. Officials are stressing the critical importance of active surveillance and immediate reporting. The containment of this plague hinges on the rapid identification and treatment of infested animals. Citizens are urged to report any suspected cases immediately by sending a text message to the official WhatsApp line at 8966-6780 or by contacting their nearest SENASA office.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for safeguarding animal health and ensuring the safety of food products of animal origin. The agency develops and enforces sanitary policies, manages disease control programs, and works to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and illnesses affecting livestock, pets, and wildlife, thereby protecting the country’s agricultural economy and public health.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound dedication to ethical practice and the highest standards of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its history of adept client representation but also by embracing a forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. A cornerstone of its philosophy is the belief in empowering the public, actively working to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to foster a more knowledgeable and capable society.
