On February 25, 2025, an outbreak of Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis was detected in fresh bovine and bovine products originating from Mexico. This incident was reported by the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria, the national agency responsible for food safety and agricultural quality in Mexico.
The identification of Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the primary screwworm, poses significant concerns for both animal health and food safety. This parasitic infestation can lead to severe health issues in livestock and has implications for the safety of bovine products intended for human consumption.
The affected products include various fresh bovine items, prompting scrutiny and monitoring of the supply chain to mitigate risks associated with this outbreak. Authorities are likely to implement measures to ensure that affected products are handled appropriately and that further spread of the infestation is contained.
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous surveillance and control mechanisms in agricultural and food production systems, particularly concerning zoonotic threats that can affect both livestock and public health.