FDA allows Dectomax use for screwworm control in multiple livestock species
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Dectomax and Dectomax CA1 injection to prevent and treat New World screwworm infestations in livestock.
This authorization applies to lactating and dry dairy cows, replacement dairy heifers over 20 months, swine, sheep except lactating animals, deer, and horses older than one year. Calves raised for veal are excluded from use.
The FDA stated that available scientific evidence shows the product may be effective. The agency concluded that its benefits outweigh the possible risks when used as directed.
Dectomax is already approved for controlling certain parasites in cattle and swine. It also has conditional approval for use in beef cattle. With this EUA, the product can now be used in additional species for screwworm control.
Strict food safety measures must be followed. Milk from treated dairy animals must not be used for human consumption during treatment and for 468 hours or 19.5 days after. This ensures that drug residues do not enter the food supply.
There are also slaughter withdrawal periods. Farmers must wait 35 days for dairy cattle, sheep, and deer, and 24 days for swine before sending animals for processing.
The use of this product is not allowed in horses under one year or those intended for human consumption. It is also not approved for lactating sheep, as it may cause drug residues in milk. No withdrawal period is set for young calves, so treated calves and those born to treated cows cannot be processed for veal.
The EUA will remain active until the public health emergency related to screwworm infestation is officially ended. Dectomax and Dectomax CA1 are developed by Zoetis Inc., based in Parsippany, New Jersey.
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