Background on the Gastrointestinal Worm Issue
The gastrointestinal worm, or “gusano barrenador del ganado” in Spanish, has been a significant concern for Mexico and its neighboring countries. This parasite affects cattle, causing economic losses for farmers and raising concerns about animal welfare. The issue has escalated into a diplomatic dispute between Mexico and the United States as it nears their shared border.
New Case Intercepted in Mexico
On Monday, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture reported intercepting a new case of cattle infected with the gastrointestinal worm in the northern part of the country. The infected animal was a calf originating from Mexico’s southeastern region, found in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, near the US border.
Larvae Were Ineffective Due to Treatment
However, the Secretariat stated that the larvae discovered in the affected calf were either dead or poisoned by the antiparasitic drug ivermectin and a larvicidal bath, which are mandatory components of the new treatment protocol against the gastrointestinal worm.
Response and Collaboration
Upon confirming the case in a laboratory, the Secretariat of Agriculture activated a special attention protocol to swiftly contain the situation. They informed their US counterparts at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS-USDA) about the discovery.
“Technicians from SENASICA identified the case at the third control point, which is part of the new measures established to protect worm-free zones. The condition of the larvae rendered them unable to reproduce,” explained the Secretariat.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the gastrointestinal worm? It is a parasite that affects cattle, causing economic losses and animal welfare concerns.
- Why is this issue significant between Mexico and the US? The gastrointestinal worm has led to a diplomatic dispute as it nears the shared border between the two countries.
- What actions were taken upon intercepting the new case? Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture activated a special attention protocol, confirmed the case in a laboratory, and informed US authorities at APHIS-USDA.
- How were the larvae affected? The larvae discovered in the infected calf were either dead or poisoned due to the mandatory antiparasitic treatment and larvicidal bath.
