The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration that allows the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). This applies only to drugs for animals, the FDA said. NWS infests warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans, causing severe tissue damage and sometimes death. While the present risk to human health is low, the potential future threat to animal populations and the food supply chain requires proactive action, it added. This parasite poses an emerging threat to livestock and food security, with potential impacts on both national security and animal health, the FDA said. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for NWS in the United States. The FDA through an EUA can authorise flexible, faster use of certain animal drug products that may be approved for other purposes, or available in other countries, but not formally approved for NWS in the US. This ensures veterinarians, farmers, and animal health officials have timely access to the tools they need to protect pets, livestock, and the nation’s food supply, it added. Published on August 25, 2025