The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes emergency use of a medication to treat infections from the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The action follows responses by federal and state officials to an outbreak affecting animals.
Both sources tie the FDA decision to ongoing monitoring and investigation into screwworm cases in the United States. They also note that the FDA authorization is intended for use in certain domestic animals—particularly dogs and cats—while officials work to contain the spread of the parasite. The emergency approval is described as part of a broader public health and veterinary effort involving federal and state agencies.
One outlet indicates the FDA’s announcement comes after detections were identified in two states, prompting additional attention and regulatory steps to ensure available treatment options. The emergency authorization expands access to the drug for eligible animals as authorities continue addressing the outbreak.
