On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, animal rescuers in Puebla city reported the first confirmed case of botfly (gusano barrenador) infestation in a pregnant dog named “Panchita.” The severity of her wounds forced veterinarians to make the difficult decision to euthanize her and her unborn puppies.

Early that morning, neighbors found Panchita inside a small shelter on Boulevard Xonacatepec, right across from an Autozone store. Initial reports suggested her left ear had been cut off, but after a thorough examination by a member of Puebla’s Animal Rescue and Vital Support Unit (Ursva), it was determined that the injury was caused by the botfly larvae, not by human aggression.

After partial cleaning of the wound, Panchita was taken to a veterinary clinic where an ultrasound revealed that her puppies’ hearts were already formed, indicating an imminent birth. A test confirmed the presence of the botfly larvae in her wound, marking the first official case in Puebla’s capital.

Despite medical efforts, the infestation had caused severe damage, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Panchita and her puppies. Veterinarians recommended incineration instead of burial to prevent the spread of the botfly, a precaution that should be followed in all fatal cases.

According to Fundación Patitas Enlodadas AC, this case is part of a larger group of 13 reported botfly infestations in Puebla city, although official figures from health authorities remain unavailable for both pets and stray animals.

Puebla ranks as the third state in Mexico with the highest number of botfly cases. As of March 2026, Vicente Guerrero municipality was the most affected area, according to Ana Laura Altamirano Pérez, head of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development. She also highlighted that Puebla participates in a program releasing sterile flies to combat the spread of the botfly.

This situation underscores the importance of community awareness and coordinated public health efforts to protect both animals and people from this parasitic threat.