AGP Executive Report

New World screwworm surge: The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed three more flesh-eating screwworm cases, bringing detections to five in Texas and New Mexico, with new finds in La Salle and Gillespie counties plus a dog case reclassified to Lea County, underscoring how hard it is to stop a pest that can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally people. Panama-linked prevention: The response leans on the same sterile-fly strategy that kept screwworm contained at the southern end of Panama for decades, with officials boosting production at the sterile fly facility in Panama and expanding capacity elsewhere. Food-price pressure: With drought already shrinking herds, analysts warn screwworm could keep beef prices elevated even before a wider outbreak, potentially adding billions in costs if it spreads. Trade and logistics risk: Canada has imposed temporary livestock import restrictions from affected U.S. areas, showing how quickly animal health scares can ripple into cross-border markets. Local conservation angle: Separate from the outbreak, a Cape Fear River Watch push highlights PFAS pollution and dredging concerns—an example of how water quality threats can compound ecosystem stress.

Panama Canal Water Management: The Panama Canal Authority cut the maximum draft for Neopanamax vessels to 15.09m (49.5 ft) starting July 3, citing El Niño-linked water risk and Gatún Lake projections—an early reminder of how climate variability can tighten shipping capacity. Invasive Pest Watch (Panama-linked): New World screwworm—an old cattle scourge that was contained in southern Panama—has reappeared in the U.S.; USDA confirmed additional Texas cases (including a calf and a dog/goat in separate counties), showing how hard it is to stop spread once detections begin. Livestock & Wildlife Risk: Reporting highlights that the fly’s larvae feed on living tissue, threatening cattle first but also wildlife and pets, with officials urging vigilance and rapid reporting to prevent establishment. Local Environmental Advocacy (U.S.): Cape Fear River Watch pushed back against PFAS chemical dumping and a proposed dredging project that could disturb contaminated sediments and harm river ecosystems.

Panama Canal Water Management: The Panama Canal Authority cut the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax vessels to 49.5 ft starting July 1, citing current and projected Gatun Lake levels and possible El Niño impacts—an effort to avoid a repeat of the 2023–24 drought disruption. Coastal Safety Alert: Panama’s civil protection system (SINAPROC) warned of strong swells and dangerous rip currents along the Pacific coast from June 7 to June 10, urging people to avoid the sea and small-boat travel. Wildlife & Biosecurity Spillover: While not Panama-based, the week’s biggest conservation-relevant alarm is the New World screwworm’s return in Texas—first locally acquired cases in decades—highlighting how invasive pests can threaten livestock, wildlife, and livelihoods across the region. Local Impact: Panama also reported the death of a Bocas del Toro education regional director after a serious traffic accident, underscoring ongoing risks from unstable weather and road conditions.

Wildlife & Livestock Health: The New World screwworm fly is back in the U.S., with USDA confirming a second case in a Zavala County calf after the first detection near La Pryor—prompting quarantine zones, Canada import restrictions, and a push to speed sterile-fly production to protect cattle, pets, and even wildlife. Panama Canal Water Management: Panama’s canal authority is cutting the maximum Neo-panamax draught from July 1 as El Niño concerns mount, tying the move to Gatun Lake levels and broader water-saving operations. Coastal Safety: Panama’s civil protection system (SINAPROC) warns of strong Pacific swells and rip currents from June 7–10, urging people to avoid dangerous surf and that artisanal fishermen and small boats should check conditions before heading out. Conservation & Culture Tourism: Panama formalized its entry into OEI’s Ibero-American Cultural Routes program (PRICI), aiming to boost certified heritage corridors that support conservation and community-linked cultural tourism. Local Impact: Panama’s Ministry of Education mourned the death of Bocas del Toro’s regional education director after a serious traffic crash, with wet roads cited as a possible factor.

New World screwworm emergency: The USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, just miles from the first detection in Zavala County, renewing fears for livestock, pets, and wildlife as officials expand quarantine and sterile-fly efforts. Panama’s role in the spread: Reporting links the outbreak’s northward movement to the sterile-fly barrier breach after years of containment in Panama and Central America, raising questions about surveillance and cross-border animal movement. Panama Canal climate watch: The Panama Canal is preparing for El Niño impacts with draft and vessel restrictions, aiming to protect water levels as transits approach peak demand. Conservation-adjacent wildlife enforcement: Honduras seized a live jaguar kept as a pet, highlighting how weak penalties can fuel illegal wildlife trafficking across the region. Local conservation culture: Panama formalized its entry into an Ibero-American network of certified cultural routes, a move aimed at boosting heritage tourism while supporting conservation-linked community development.

Invasive Species Alert (Panama-linked): The New World screwworm fly is now confirmed in south Texas, with USDA reporting a first case in a Zavala County calf and a second case days later, raising fears of a wider spread from the pest’s recent northward movement through Panama and Central America. Officials stress it’s not a food-safety issue but a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, and they’ve expanded quarantine zones, surveillance, and sterile-fly response efforts. Local Response (Texas): Gov. Greg Abbott expanded Texas disaster declarations and is pushing to speed up a $750 million sterile-fly breeding facility, warning the state can’t “make it through a second summer” without faster production. Panama Environment & Water (El Niño): Separately, Panama Canal authorities are tightening ship draft limits and planning water-saving measures as El Niño forecasts raise the risk of lower water levels, echoing lessons from the 2023–2024 drought. Conservation & Community (Panama): Panama also moved to join an Ibero-American network of certified cultural tourism routes, aiming to boost heritage conservation and community-linked economic opportunities.

Panama Canal Water Management: The Panama Canal Authority says it will reduce the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax ships from July 3 (50 feet to 49.5) as a precaution tied to El Niño-linked uncertainty over Gatun Lake levels, echoing the water-saving lessons of the 2023–2024 drought. Invasive Species & Regional Biosecurity: A New World screwworm outbreak has reached South Texas, with USDA confirming a second case in Zavala County near the first detection—raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and pets and accelerating sterile-fly and surveillance efforts. Conservation & Species Recovery: ZooTampa reports the hatching of critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs, extinct in the wild since 2009, as part of a broader reintroduction effort in Panama. Cultural Tourism for Conservation: Panama formalized its accession to PRICI, an Ibero-American network of certified cultural routes, aiming to boost sustainable tourism while strengthening heritage conservation. Regional Waste Pressure: UNDP warned Trinidad and Tobago generates about 2.6 kg of waste per person per day, urging more responsible consumption—an environmental governance reminder for the region.

Invasive Species Alert: The New World screwworm—whose larvae eat living tissue—was confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantines and a nationwide push to spot infestations early; officials stress it’s not a food-safety issue, but it could hit livestock production hard. Regional Link to Panama: Multiple reports tie the fly’s recent northward return to years of cases in Panama and Mexico, raising alarms about cross-border animal movement and the need for tighter monitoring. Government Response: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded disaster declarations and set a quarantine zone, while states like Colorado and Kansas activated outreach for ranchers and veterinarians. Water & Shipping Pressure on the Canal: Separately, Panama Canal Authority reduced the Neopanamax draft limit starting July 3 to conserve water amid El Niño concerns, showing how climate risk is already reshaping regional logistics. Biodiversity Hope: ZooTampa hatched critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs, adding momentum to reintroduction efforts after habitat loss and chytrid fungus wiped them from the wild.

Invasive Species Watch: The New World screwworm fly—linked to years of containment at Panama’s southern end—has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time since 1966, with USDA and Texas officials setting quarantine and deploying sterile flies to stop spread. Panama’s Environmental Cleanup: Panama received a $3 million U.S. donation to help clear tons of waste left in the Darien jungle along former migration routes, with MiAmbiente leading cleanup and hiring local workers as migration drops. Canal & Climate Pressure: Panama Canal congestion hit yearly highs, triggering Jones Act waivers as a dry chamber overhaul and El Niño-linked risks threaten transit capacity. One Health & Livelihoods: Coverage highlights how the parasite’s larvae can infest livestock, pets, and wildlife via open wounds—raising fears for ranching economies even as officials stress it doesn’t directly contaminate food.

Darien Cleanup Funding: Panama received a $3 million U.S. donation to remove tons of trash left along former migration routes in the Darien jungle, with MiAmbiente set to hire 150 local workers as migration drops near zero. Waterway Resilience: The Panama Canal Authority is drafting a new El Niño playbook to avoid the harsh vessel limits that caused congestion during the 2023–24 drought, revisiting draft and transit rules ahead of a potentially longer dry season. Wildlife & Livestock Biosecurity: While not Panama-based, USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly in south Texas for the first time in decades, underscoring how Central American outbreaks can spill across borders and threaten animals and ecosystems. Community Environment Action: A village clean-up day in Panama highlighted local cooperation, recycling support, and efforts to boost volunteer participation for future cleanups.

Panama Canal Water Planning: Panama’s canal authority is revisiting its El Niño playbook after the 2023-24 drought, aiming to avoid the kind of vessel limits that caused congestion and rerouted trade. Invasive Livestock Threat: The U.S. USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas, a flesh-eating parasite that threatens cattle and can spread via warm-blooded animals—prompting quarantines, movement controls, surveillance, and sterile-fly releases. Border-Linked Risk Messaging: Officials say the screwworm is nearing the U.S.-Mexico border, with Mexico reporting multiple detections, and USDA is stepping up public updates to counter misinformation. Community Cleanup Momentum (Panama): Panama village leaders credited a clean-up day’s turnout to church and local business support, and are now looking for more volunteers to keep the effort going. Wildlife Ethics & Skills: A wildlife photographer is set to share ethical wildlife photography tips after years of field work across Panama and the region.

Panama-Linked World Cup Prep: Ghana’s Black Stars left Wales and are heading to the U.S., with Panama in Group L alongside England and Croatia. The team will base at Bryant University in Rhode Island as Carlos Queiroz’s first World Cup phase ramps up. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm—flesh-eating larvae—has been detected about 25 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in Mexico, prompting intensified monitoring and a push to counter misinformation as the threat could hit livestock and wildlife. Climate Risk for Sports: Scientists warn the 2026 World Cup could run slower in extreme heat, with most matches likely affected by temperatures above 28°C, raising performance and safety concerns. Panama Canal Green Tech: Panama’s Canal Authority selected Spain’s Armon Shipyard to build ten hybrid harbour tugs, aiming to cut local emissions while improving maneuvering for daily canal operations. Regional Health Watch: PAHO’s 2025 annual report was presented to the OAS, highlighting disease elimination progress and ongoing public health challenges across the Americas.

New World Screwworm Alert: U.S. officials say flesh-eating screwworm larvae are moving closer to the border, with Mexico reporting new detections including an infested goat about 25 miles from the U.S.-Mexico line—prompting tighter cross-border monitoring and more frequent public updates to counter misinformation. Panama Canal Green Tech: Panama’s Canal Authority is ordering 10 more hybrid harbour tugs from Spain’s Armon Shipyard, aiming to cut local emissions while improving daily maneuvering for large ships. Shipping & Environment Watch: A Panama-flagged MSC container ship was damaged by a large explosion off Iraq; authorities say they’re checking for any environmental impact as regional tensions disrupt maritime safety. Panama in Labor Rights Spotlight: Panama was ranked among the worst countries for workers’ rights in an ITUC report, citing weak guarantees and ongoing oppression of unions and workers. Climate Context: The WMO warns El Niño conditions are expected to develop before late August, with potentially stronger extreme weather and rainfall patterns across regions.

Panama Canal Clean Tech: The Panama Canal Authority ordered 10 more hybrid harbour tugs from Spain’s Armon Shipyard, adding battery-assisted power to cut local emissions while keeping daily manoeuvring performance for large ships. Climate Watch: The UN’s WMO says El Niño conditions are expected to build before late August, with each event behaving differently but likely bringing more extreme weather and rainfall swings. Labor Rights in Panama: Panama landed in the ITUC Global Rights Index’s lowest category, with the report citing weak worker protections and rising repression. Shipping Safety in the Region: A Panama-flagged MSC container ship, MSC Sariska V, was damaged in an explosion off Iraq; authorities report no injuries or known environmental impact as investigations continue amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. Darién Health Support: U.S. service members carried out a three-day medical mission in Azuero, expanding access to care in remote areas and strengthening ties with Panama’s MINSA.

Climate Outlook: The UN’s World Meteorological Organization says El Niño warming conditions are expected to develop before late August, with moderate-to-strong potential and uneven impacts—drought risk in parts of West Africa and the Sahel, but heavier rain in other regions. Shipping & Pollution Risk: Iran’s IRGC claims it struck the Panama-flagged container ship MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile after an earlier attack near Oman; UKMTO says the vessel was hit near Umm Qasr, with no reported injuries and no confirmed environmental damage as investigations continue. Hurricane Season Watch: Florida officials are urging World Cup visitors to prepare early as the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with Miami hosting multiple matches and concerns about newcomers’ hurricane awareness. Labor Rights: Panama was placed among the “10 worst countries” for workers’ rights in an ITUC Global Rights Index, citing weak guarantees and ongoing oppression. Local Health Support: U.S. service members carried out a three-day medical mission in Azuero, expanding access to care in remote areas.

Shipping & Environment: A Panama-flagged MSC containership (MSC SARISKA V) was hit by an unknown projectile off Umm Qasr, Iraq, triggering a large explosion and a brief fire; UKMTO said it was not aware of any environmental impact yet, as authorities investigate amid rising Gulf security risks. Climate & Coastal Risk: In Costa Rica, oceanographers warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising the odds of erosion and flooding as warmer seas expand and combine with high tides and stronger swells later this year. Wildlife Watch: MiAmbiente reported a sea lion resting near Taboga Island, urging people to keep distance and not feed or touch it to avoid stress and disruption to natural behavior. Panama Conservation Context: A Moody’s review notes Panama stabilized its fiscal deficit in 2025 largely by cutting capital spending—an angle that matters for long-term funding of public projects, including environmental work. Hurricane Season Alert: With the Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Miami officials stressed the need to prepare early for visitors who may not understand hurricane risk. Local Health Support: U.S. service members carried out a three-day medical mission in Azuero, expanding access for remote communities in Herrera and Los Santos.