The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) granted permission to allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). This statement is applicable only for drugs for animals.
NWS infests warm-blooded animals, such as livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans, etc., causing major tissue damage and sometimes death. 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 is an emerging threat to livestock as well as food security, with potential impacts on both national security and animal health.
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. FDA will help future guidance to veterinarians as well as stakeholders on the appropriate use of any products authorized for emergency use.
The FDA will grant the flexible, faster use of certain animal drug products that may be approved for other purposes as well, or available in other countries, but not formally approved for NWS in the U.S.
Executive Statement
According to the Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, this emergency use authorization is another tool we can use in the fight against New World Screwworm. Their cattle ranchers and livestock producers are relying on the Trump Administration to defend their livelihoods. Stopping this pest is a national security priority and we are linking arms across President Trump’s cabinet to defend the borders and push back this threat.
