By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Horse owners and veterinarians have a new tool to help protect horses from New World screwworm following an Emergency Use Authorization issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The authorization covers Ivermectin Liquid for Horses, which is a clear, ready-to-use oral solution. It is intended for short-term prevention of screwworm infestations and may be administered within 24 hours of birth or during the initial treatment of wounds.

The prescription-only product is not authorized for use in species other than horses, according to FDA.

Newborn animals with healing umbilical wounds and animals with other open wounds are particularly vulnerable because New World screwworm flies are attracted to those sites to lay their eggs. The larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, and untreated infestations can become severe and life-threatening.

“This authorization provides a short-term prevention option for horses, but owners and veterinarians should be aware of the limitations,” said Dr. Timothy Schell, director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “This product’s window of prevention lasts no more than 24 hours, so it is important that the product be used alongside other preventive measures such as bandaging, repellents and other fly-control methods.”

The product is designed only to prevent infestations and should not be used to treat active cases. Horse owners should contact a veterinarian if a wound is already infested or if an infestation develops after the product is administered.

Detailed product information about Ivermectin Liquid for Horses can be found in the Fact Sheet: Emergency Use Authorization of Ivermectin Liquid for Horses (ivermectin oral solution) for New World Screwworm (NWS).

The emergency authorization will remain in effect until it is revoked or the federal declaration supporting emergency use of animal drugs for New World screwworm is terminated.

Click here for more information about New World screwworm.