HHS declaration equips FDA to fight parasite and protect livestock
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration empowering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). The order applies only to animals but aims to protect both agriculture and national security.
New World Screwworm is a parasite that infests warm-blooded animals, including cattle, pets, and wildlife, leading to severe tissue damage and even death. Though eradicated from North America decades ago, it has reemerged since 2022 and is now approaching the U.S. border with Mexico. While the risk to humans remains low, its potential impact on livestock and food supply makes it a serious agricultural threat.
Currently, no FDA-approved drugs exist to treat NWS in the U.S. With this declaration, the FDA can allow veterinarians and farmers access to drugs that may be approved abroad or for other uses but not yet approved domestically for NWS. This flexibility ensures quicker responses to protect animal health and prevent potential outbreaks.
“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 enabling timely access to vital treatments, the EUA process strengthens America’s readiness to defend livestock, sustain food production, and safeguard national security against the New World Screwworm.
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