The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a declaration allowing the FDA to authorize emergency use of animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said the move “equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s livestock.” There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for the pest in the U.S., but emergency use authorization will allow veterinarians and farmers to access drugs approved for other uses or those available in other countries. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins added that stopping the pest is a national security priority.
