Emergency Pet Care
FDA Authorizes Generic Drug for Emergency Use to Treat Pet Screwworm Infestations
Key Points
FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the agency “spent nearly a year fast-tracking reviews and readying for the arrival of New World screwworm in the U.S.” and noted that “as of today… the FDA has issued ten EUAs and three conditional approvals for drugs to combat this threat.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the response is a “whole of government approach,” adding that USDA “was ready day one to spring into action,” and that HHS and FDA “have been great partners” in the effort to contain New World screwworm.
The tablets are sponsored by Felix Pharmaceuticals (based in Ireland), and the product is available over the counter in two dosing sizes depending on the cat’s or dog’s weight.
While officials said most pets nationwide face low risk, they warned that animals that “have recently been in affected areas were more vulnerable.”
The FDA granted emergency approval on June 11, 2026 for generic nitenpyram tablets to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats — the first generic animal drug cleared for this purpose The Hill. The move comes after the parasite was confirmed in the U.S. for the first time in more than six decades, with six cases recorded across Texas and New Mexico by early June DRG News.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the agency "spent nearly a year fast-tracking reviews and readying for the arrival of New World screwworm in the U.S." The fast-acting tablets are available over the counter. Most larvae should die within hours of the first dose Freedom 96.9.
What Screwworm Is and Why It Returned
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. Its larvae burrow into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals — not dead tissue. Small wounds, navels, or mucous membranes are common entry points. Without treatment, an infestation can kill an animal within days DRG News.
The U.S. declared the pest eradicated in 1966. A resurgence began in 2023, spreading north through Central America and into Mexico. By June 3, 2026, USDA confirmed the first domestic case in over 60 years — a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. A dog in Lea County, New Mexico became the sixth confirmed case by June 8 Joe My God.
How the Treatment Works and Who Can Use It
Nitenpyram tablets come in two sizes: 11.4 mg and 57 mg. The right dose depends on the pet's weight. Pets must weigh at least 2 pounds and be at least 4 weeks old Freedom 96.9. The tablets are sponsored by Felix Pharmaceuticals, an Ireland-based company, and sold without a prescription The Hill.
Pet owners should give a second dose six hours after the first. But the FDA warns the drug does not protect against reinfestation. Vets may still need to remove surviving larvae and treat wounds manually DRG News. Officials said pets that "have recently been in affected areas" face the highest risk.
A Government-Wide Push to Stop the Spread
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins called the response a "whole of government approach" and said USDA "was ready day one to spring into action" Chron. Diamantas added that the FDA has now issued "ten EUAs and three conditional approvals" for drugs to fight screwworm. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the goal is to put "affordable, fast-acting treatment in the hands of pet owners."
The USDA has also ramped up its sterile insect program — releasing 131 million sterile male screwworm flies into Texas since early 2026 to prevent breeding. Production is being scaled to 500 million flies per week at new facilities in Edinburg, Texas and Metapa, Mexico DRG News.
Ranchers and Vets Brace for Bigger Economic Stakes
The outbreak arrives at a fragile moment for U.S. agriculture. The American cattle herd is at its lowest level in 75 years. Beef prices have already risen roughly 75% since December 2020 Chron. A wider screwworm outbreak could kill calves en masse and push prices even higher.
Texas ranchers face a tough choice. Reporting a case triggers a strict 20-kilometer quarantine zone that halts livestock movement. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller suggested some ranchers might self-treat and stay silent. Rollins fired back, calling his comments "dangerous" DRG News. Meanwhile, veterinarians welcomed the OTC drug but stressed it is not a replacement for professional wound care.
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