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Zoo León Confirms First Gusano Barrenador Cases in a Mexican Zoo

Isolation and treatment of the two affected animals has been carried out by federal and zoo veterinarians, with increased surveillance to limit further spread.

Overview

  • Zoo León detected a lesion on an elk on June 5 and a second lesion on a yak on June 12, with laboratory samples taken and the findings confirmed as Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae.
  • SENASICA and zoo veterinarians isolated both animals, began antiparasitic treatment and kept them under clinical follow‑up while conducting scheduled fumigations of affected enclosures.
  • The zoo board approved roughly 163,000–167,000 pesos to buy fumigators, sprayers, drugs and darts and to make regular fumigation and daily clinical monitoring permanent.
  • Federal animal‑health reports show the parasite has risen across multiple Mexican states and species, affecting livestock, pets and wildlife and rarely infecting humans, so officials are prioritizing wound checks and rapid veterinary care.
  • The cases will test containment efforts for conservation collections already under scrutiny after earlier animal deaths and PROFEPA interventions, so authorities say continued reporting and strengthened vector control are key to preventing new outbreaks.