FDA authorizes emergency use of drug to fight screwworms in pets
Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed emergency use of the drug nitenpyram to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. This drug kills the larvae of the parasite that eats live flesh and has recently appeared again in some U.S. animals after being thought eradicated.Key Facts
- The FDA authorized emergency use of nitenpyram for pets with screwworm infestations.
- Nitenpyram is the first generic animal drug approved to treat this flesh-eating parasite.
- It can be given to dogs and cats weighing at least two pounds and at least four weeks old.
- The drug was previously approved in 2000 under the brand name Capstar to treat fleas.
- New World screwworm larvae eat live flesh and lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals.
- Recent cases of screwworm were found in cattle in Texas and a dog in New Mexico.
- Treatment with nitenpyram quickly kills most larvae, but pets may need veterinary help to remove dead or remaining larvae.
- Nitenpyram does not prevent new screwworm infestations; a second dose should be given six hours after the first.
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