FDA Grants Emergency Approval for Over-the-Counter Screwworm Treatment for Pets
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, an over-the-counter tablet, to treat New World screwworm infections in dogs and cats. This marks the first generic animal drug approved for screwworm treatment as cases have emerged in Texas, New Mexico, and other states after a decade without US cases. The approval provides pet owners with a rapid treatment option as screwworm, a parasitic infection spread by flies, resurfaces in the country.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for nitenpyram tablets to treat New World screwworm in pets on June 11, marking the first generic drug approved for this parasitic infection. The authorization comes as screwworm cases have been confirmed in cattle in Texas and New Mexico, and in a dog in New Mexico, following a decade without documented U.S. cases. Nitenpyram, already sold over-the-counter under brand names like Capstar for flea prevention, kills most screwworm larvae within hours of the first dose, with a second dose recommended six hours later. The medication is approved for use in cats and dogs weighing at least 0.9 kilograms and at least four weeks old. Screwworm is spread by infected flies that lay eggs in open wounds, causing painful infections that can be dangerous if untreated. While the FDA has issued multiple emergency and conditional approvals for screwworm drugs, experts note there remains little risk to pets, and routine activities like walks are safe unless animals have fresh, untreated injuries.
What different sources said
- ForbesCenter
FDA Approves Emergency Screwworm Treatment—As Cases Rise To 7 In Texas, New Mexico
- The Straits TimesCenter
Screwworm treatment for pets receives emergency US FDA approval
- The HillCenter
FDA gives emergency approval to screwworm over-the-counter pet drug
- The Texas TribuneCenter
How to prevent and treat your pet from screwworm
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