USDA Screwworm Update (n=11) - FDA EUA For Drug to Treat Dogs & Cats

 

#19,201

The number of confirmed screwworm cases (NWS) continues to mount, and a 5th Texas county (Tom Green) has been added, in the latest update to the USDA's dashboard. 

Thus far, all confirmed detections have been in either livestock (cattle or goats), or in pets. While unknown, there are likely a far larger number of wildlife infections, as the NWS will infect just about any warm-blooded animal (including birds).

The CDC describes its life cycle as:

New World screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on open wounds or other parts of the body in live, warm-blooded animals. Most infestations occur in animals, but they also occur in people. The smell of a wound or body opening such as the nose, mouth, eyes, ears, or genitals can attract female flies. Wounds as small as a tick bite may attract a female fly to lay her eggs. One female can lay 200 – 300 eggs at a time and may lay up to 3,000 eggs during her 10- to 30-day lifespan.

Eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into the wound to feed on the living flesh. After feeding for about 7 days, larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil, and emerge as adult screwworm flies.

Due to its recent return to U.S. soil, the FDA this week granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a generic OTC drug to treat NWS infection in dogs and cats. 

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Generic Over-the-Counter Drug to Treat New World Screwworm in Dogs and Cats

Most dogs and cats in the U.S. are at low risk of NWS; risk is elevated for pets recently in areas with confirmed cases of NWS

For Immediate Release:June 11, 202

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for generic Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds and are at least four weeks old. This is the first generic animal drug authorized for use against NWS.

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While this provides a faster, and cheaper way for people to treat their pets, it also makes it easier for cases to go unreported.  Hopefully pet owners will still contact their veterinarian, and have their pet examined, after treatment has been initiated.

As the CDC warns, proper disposal of maggots is imperative in order to interrupt the life cycle of these parasites.