The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a declaration allowing the FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations for animal drugs to combat New World Screwworm.
There is currently no FDA-approved drugs for the pest. However, the move lets veterinarians and producers use treatments not yet cleared in the United States, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. says this will ultimately protect agriculture and America’s food supply:
“Today we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat. This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s livestock.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calls it a national security priority to defend America’s herds:
“This emergency use authorization is another tool we can use in the fight against New World Screwworm. 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.”
The FDA says guidance will be released soon.
Press Release via U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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