After continual warnings regarding the threat of the re-emerging New World screwworm near Texas’ southern border, federal officials have taken additional steps to combat the flesh-eating pest.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been given authority to issue “Emergency Use Authorizations” for animal drugs that will help treat and prevent infestations of the New World screwworm.
“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.”
Since there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to combat the invasive parasite, HHS considers this step a crucial action to combat the threat posed by the pest to U.S. food security and the country’s animal population.
“This measure focuses solely on animal health and offers the decisive, results-oriented action that farmers and ranchers need to protect their livestock, livelihoods, and the country’s food supply,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told Texas Scorecard. “I commend the swift response by the Trump Administration and HHS in allowing the FDA to equip veterinarians and producers with essential tools to combat this harmful pest and save animals’ lives.”
“Kudos to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary for taking a stand to support American agriculture, ensure animal health, and strengthen our rural economy,” added Miller.
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is native to South America and infests warm-blooded mammals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans.
Other steps have also been taken by both Texas and federal agricultural officials to combat the invasive pest.
Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins and Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference last week announcing that the USDA is investing $750 million to construct a sterile fly production facility, a method used since the late 1960s to assist in eradicating adult screwworm flies.
Earlier this month, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the testing of TDA Swormlure, a new chemical screwworm bait that is expected to outperform currently available methods.
In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of New World screwworm infestation 370 miles south of Texas’ southern border, prompting an immediate halt to livestock importation through southern ports to help prevent the spread of the pest into the U.S.
HHS notes that the FDA will provide guidance in the future to veterinarians and allies on the correct use of products authorized for emergency use and will continue to update the New World Screwworm: Information for Veterinarians page.
Currently, HHS reports that the risk of the New World screwworm to human health is very low.
