By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a declaration allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize emergency use of animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World screwworm.

The pest, which infests warm-blooded animals such as livestock, wildlife and even pets, can cause severe tissue damage and death. While the risk to human health remains very low, federal officials said the emerging threat to animal populations, food security and national security requires immediate action.

“We are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World screwworm and protect America’s livestock.”

There are no FDA-approved drugs for NWS in the U.S. at this time. But the new authorization allows FDA to permit the use of certain animal drug products—either approved for other purposes domestically or authorized abroad—that could help veterinarians and producers respond more effectively.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the move adds another layer of defense in stopping the pest.

“Our cattle ranchers and livestock producers are relying on the Trump administration to defend their livelihoods,” she said. “Stopping this pest is a national security priority, and we are linking arms across President Trump’s cabinet to defend our borders and push back this threat.”

Agricultural groups, including Texas Farm Bureau, called the step an important addition to ongoing prevent efforts.

“Every safeguard matters when it comes to protecting our livestock and food supply,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “Emergency use of animal drugs will give veterinarians and ranchers access to treatments that can help contain the screwworm if it enters the U.S. This announcement complements the sterile insect production facility USDA announced last week to protect our livestock and wildlife populations.”

Earlier this year, congressional lawmakers sent a letter to HHS urging federal agencies to fast-track approvals of anti-parasitic treatments for livestock in response to the growing threat from the New World screwworm.

FDA will provide additional guidance to veterinarians and stakeholders on the proper use of authorized products in the coming weeks.

For more information about the New World screwworm, visit screwwormtx.org.