The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized an over-the-counter generic drug to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats, marking the first generic animal drug cleared for use against the parasite since cases were confirmed in the United States earlier this month.
The FDA issued the Emergency Use Authorization on June 11 for generic Nitenpyram Tablets, which reports the FDA, can be used in dogs and cats weighing at least two pounds and at least four weeks old.
The tablets are available in 11.4 mg and 57 mg doses without a prescription.
Nitenpyram works quickly, killing most screwworm larvae within hours of the first dose. A second dose is recommended six hours after the first, and a veterinarian may still need to physically remove any remaining live or dead larvae after treatment.
As we previously reported, the New World screwworm outbreak was confirmed in the United States for the first time in 60 years in early June, starting with cattle in Zavala County, Texas.
The case count has since grown to at least 15 confirmed cases across Texas and New Mexico, including one dog in Andrews County, Texas.
Nevada is not currently within the outbreak zone.
However, with confirmed cases now appearing in animals that recently traveled from Mexico and spreading into New Mexico, the USDA is urging pet owners across the region to check their dogs regularly for unexplained wounds, unusual odors, or signs of larvae, and to report anything suspicious to their veterinarian immediately.
The sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, is releasing approximately 4 million sterile flies per week in affected areas as part of the federal eradication effort.
The USDA has also closed all southern ports of entry to livestock trade.
Pet owners who believe their dog may have a screwworm infestation should contact their veterinarian before administering nitenpyram, as the drug must be paired with professional removal of larvae to be fully effective. The USDA maintains a dashboard of confirmed cases at screwworm.gov.
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