FDA Approves Emergency Screwworm Medicine for Pets: Which Animals Qualify
Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an emergency use for nitenpyram tablets to treat infections caused by New World screwworm in pets. This medication can quickly kill the parasite larvae in dogs and cats and helps control an outbreak affecting animals in Texas and New Mexico.Key Facts
- The FDA gave emergency authorization for nitenpyram tablets, the first generic drug approved for this parasite in animals.
- New World screwworm larvae invade open wounds and eat live tissue, harming livestock, wildlife, and pets.
- The drug treats dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that are at least 4 weeks old and weigh 2 pounds or more.
- Most larvae are expected to die within hours after taking the medicine, with a second dose possible after six hours.
- Veterinarians may still need to remove larvae or treat wounds after medication.
- The medicine does not protect animals from getting reinfected if exposed again to screwworm flies.
- U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the authorization as part of a strategy to stop the screwworm spread.
- The drug is for animals only and must be kept away from children and humans.
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