You’ve likely heard about the flesh-eating maggot in recent days, following a recent case of infestation (or myiasis) detected in a dog in the Tlalpan district. Before any false alarms arise, here’s what you need to know and what to do if you suspect an infestation.
First, you should know that this type of worm is the larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly, a species that invades open wounds and feeds on the living tissue of animals. Especially those considered warm-blooded, such as dogs, cats, some birds, sheep, cattle, and horses, to name a few. It can also pose a risk to humans.
According to *The Attack of the Borer Worm*, published by Ciencia UNAM, Mexico was declared free of this disease internationally in 2019.
Despite this, in April 2026, a case of myiasis was detected in a Doberman in the Tlalpan district of Mexico City.
The dog had an untreated wound; the fly laid its eggs, causing a rapid multiplication of larvae that put health authorities on alert.
It’s important to note that if animals don’t receive specialized care, they can die. In the case of cows or pigs, the larvae can compromise the meat, milk, or their byproducts. Additionally, remember that this is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people.
Prevention measures (for animals and livestock)
- Check your animals’ wounds.
- Treat the wounds and try to keep them clean.
- If you notice discharge, a foul odor, or holes in the skin, see a specialist.
People Vulnerable to the Barrenador Worm
The article “Homeless People, ‘Vulnerable to the Borer Worm, ’” published by the UNAM Gazette, provides a detailed explanation by Professor Yazmín Alcalá Canto of the UNAM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science regarding the impact of this parasitic disease.
As the title suggests, people and animals living on the streets are more at risk because they are groups prone to injury and having wounds that aren’t properly treated.
There are also other groups that may be vulnerable: people with diabetes, organ transplant recipients, people with weakened immune systems, and cancer patients.
What should I do if I suspect a case of the Barrenador worm?
It is extremely important that you report it immediately to the hotlines: 55 5844 6800, 800 751 2100, or via WhatsApp at 55 3996 4462.