Cases of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in Mexico are climbing fast.
Reuters reports that more than 5,000 caes have been confirmed as of mid-August. A 53% jump since July.
Government data shows that nearly 650 active cases in livestock right now.
One industry leader told Drovers the surge is troubling, especially with extreme heat making it harder to control the parasite.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says that the risein cases proves the screwworm remains a serious threat. Experts believe more producers are spotting and reporting infections.
Related Stories
Two year partnership for renamed “CLAAS Studios”
A new study identified compounds within a “failed” tuberculosis treatment that effectively fight some herbicide-resistant “superweeds” in Australia. Researchers say their findings could be a “game-changer for the agriculture sector.”
Customers have reported a 55-percent reduction in the use of antibiotics as a result of the new technology.