The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World screwworm (NWS). This declaration applies only to drugs for animals.
“This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World screwworm, and protect America’s livestock,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
There are no FDA-approved drugs for NWS in the United States. The FDA, through an EUA, can authorize the flexible, faster use of certain animal drug products that may be approved for other purposes, or available in other countries, but not formally approved for NWS in the U.S. This ensures veterinarians, farmers and animal health officials have timely access to the tools they need to protect pets, livestock and the nation’s food supply.
“Our priority is to safeguard both animal health and the nation’s food supply,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “FDA is acting swiftly and responsibly to help ensure we have the necessary tools to prevent and control New World screwworm, minimizing risks to agriculture and public health.”
NWS infests warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife and, in rare cases, humans, causing severe tissue damage and sometimes death. The risk to human health in the United States remains very low, but the potential future threat to animal populations and the food supply chain requires proactive action.
Although eradicated from North America and Central America decades ago, NWS has progressed north since 2022 and is now approaching the U.S. border with Mexico. This parasite poses an emerging threat to livestock and food security, with potential impacts on national security and animal health.
