Overview

• Regional animal cases have reached about 100,000 since the outbreak began around 2023, with the highest counts reported in Panama, according to OIRSA.
• Mexico has logged roughly 5,000 infected animals through August, a 53% increase from July that has heightened concern among U.S. producers and officials.
• Health authorities report human infections this year, including about 80 in Guatemala, around 70 in Costa Rica, and 44 in Mexico, plus one imported case confirmed in the United States.
• Mexican officials recently reported the death of a pre‑ill 86‑year‑old who had been infested, underscoring the public‑health risks posed by the flesh‑eating larvae.
• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned of potential heavy losses for U.S. livestock and noted the country previously eradicated the pest using sterile insect technique after a 1966 campaign and a smaller 2016 Florida Keys flare.