By Jamie Martin
In a move to protect animal health and U.S. agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs against New World Screwworm (NWS). This declaration ensures quick access to treatments if infestations emerge.
New World Screwworm, a parasite that attacks warm-blooded animals, can cause serious tissue damage and, in severe cases, death. Though rare in humans, it poses a major risk to livestock, pets, and wildlife. After being eradicated from the region years ago, the parasite has advanced northward since 2022 and is nearing the U.S.–Mexico border, renewing concerns for food security.
With no FDA-approved drugs currently available for NWS, the EUA process allows use of treatments already approved abroad or for other conditions. This provides veterinarians, ranchers, and animal health officials with essential tools to protect herds and the food chain.
“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.”
“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.”
By granting FDA this emergency power, the U.S. strengthens its ability to prevent infestations, protect the agricultural economy, and maintain confidence in the nation’s food supply chain.
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Categories: National