Puebla currently holds the highest number of active screwworm (gusano barrenador) cases in Mexico, with 184 reported as of June 20, 2026, according to the Federal Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development. This accounts for a significant portion of the 1,810 cases nationwide, positioning Puebla as a critical hotspot for this parasitic infestation.

Interestingly, dogs have emerged as the most affected species in Puebla, surpassing livestock traditionally linked to the pest. Of the 184 active cases in the state, 83 involve canines, highlighting a shift in the screwworm’s impact beyond the agricultural sector. Following dogs, bovines—including cows, bulls, and oxen—account for 55 cases, while equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules have 16 reported infections. Other affected animals include pigs and sheep (eleven cases each), and goats and kids with eight cases.

The infestation is widespread, affecting 67 out of Puebla’s 217 municipalities—about 30.88% of the state. Tetela de Ocampo is the hardest hit, with ten active cases, followed by Ajalpan, Albino Zertuche, Cuetzalan del Progreso, Pahuatlán, and Tlacotepec de Benito Juárez, each reporting eight cases. Other municipalities like Huauchinango, Zoquitlán, and Atzitzihuacán also report multiple cases, underscoring the regional scale of the problem.

Since November 20, 2024, Puebla has accumulated 1,472 cases, ranking fifth nationally behind Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Yucatán. This persistent challenge calls for effective, inclusive public health and agricultural policies that protect both rural livelihoods and urban pet populations.

In this context, Puebla’s ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the planned cable car system, could play a vital role in improving access to remote areas for veterinary and agricultural services. Enhanced connectivity may facilitate quicker response times to outbreaks, better monitoring, and community education—key factors in controlling the spread of screwworm and safeguarding animal health.

As the state grapples with this infestation, the integration of innovative transport solutions alongside targeted social programs could offer a comprehensive approach to managing pests while promoting sustainable development and equity across Puebla’s diverse communities.