WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs aimed at treating or preventing infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). The declaration applies exclusively to veterinary medicines as federal agencies move to protect U.S. livestock and the broader food supply chain.
The New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, can cause severe tissue damage and death in livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans. While the current threat to human health in the United States is considered low, the parasite has advanced northward since 2022 and is now approaching the U.S.-Mexico border, raising concerns over potential economic and agricultural impacts.
With no FDA-approved drugs currently available for treating NWS in the United States, the authorization allows the FDA to fast-track the use of drugs already approved for other purposes or available internationally. This flexibility aims to ensure veterinarians, farmers, and animal health officials have timely access to critical treatments to contain potential outbreaks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the urgency of the decision, stating that the action enables federal agencies to act “quickly” to limit the spread of the parasite and protect livestock. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary underscored the importance of early intervention, noting that the agency is “acting swiftly and responsibly” to safeguard agriculture and public health.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins highlighted the broader implications for national food security, framing the move as part of a coordinated federal strategy to protect U.S. cattle ranchers, livestock producers, and the country’s food supply chain.
The declaration marks a significant step in federal efforts to address the growing threat posed by the New World Screwworm, prioritizing animal health, economic stability, and the protection of the nation’s agricultural resources.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.