León Zoo Animals Infected with Screwworm; Protocols Strengthened

The León Zoo in Guanajuato, Mexico, has confirmed infections of the New World screwworm (myiasis) in two of its animals: an elk and a yak. The infections were discovered during routine clinical monitoring by zoo specialists.

The elk, identified as *Cervus canadensis*, presented a lesion on its jaw on June 5, while the yak (*Bos grunniens*) had a lesion in its ear canal on June 12. Both animals are under veterinary care and are reportedly recovering favorably.

In response to these cases, the zoo's board of directors has approved 167,000 pesos from its budget to enhance preventive and sanitary control measures. These funds will be used to purchase fumigation equipment, darts, and medications. The zoo also plans to implement permanent fumigation programs to prevent the spread of pests.

This incident occurs amidst ongoing challenges for the León Zoo, which has faced a series of animal deaths since November, leading to temporary closures and personnel changes. The zoo is reinforcing daily clinical monitoring, area fumigation, and immediate attention to wounds to prevent future occurrences.

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These fumigations we want to leave them as something permanent, so what will be managed is an increase in the budget so that this remains a permanent measure.