The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration enabling the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs aimed at treating or preventing infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). This measure applies exclusively to drugs for animals.
The New World Screwworm is a parasite that affects warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and rarely humans. Infestations can result in severe tissue damage and sometimes death. While the risk to human health in the United States remains low, officials are concerned about potential impacts on animal populations and the food supply chain if the pest spreads further.
Although NWS was eradicated from North America and Central America decades ago, it has been moving north since 2022 and is now nearing the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities warn that this development poses an emerging threat to livestock industries and food security in the country.
“Today we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s livestock.”
There are currently no FDA-approved drugs specifically for NWS in the United States. The EUA process allows for more rapid use of certain animal drug products that may be approved for other uses or available abroad but not formally approved domestically for NWS treatment or prevention. This step aims to ensure veterinarians, farmers, and animal health officials have timely access to necessary tools.
“Thank you to my friends and partners Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary who are answering the call and supporting our aggressive plan to push back and ultimately defeat this devastating pest. This emergency use authorization is another tool we can use in the fight against New World Screwworm,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Our 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 our borders and push back this threat.”
“Our priority is to safeguard both animal health and the nation’s food supply,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “FDA is acting swiftly and responsibly to help ensure we have the necessary tools to prevent and control New World Screwworm, minimizing risks to agriculture and public health.”
The FDA will issue further guidance for veterinarians regarding any products authorized under emergency use provisions as well as updates on its dedicated information page.
