US Grants Emergency Powers to Use Animal Drugs Against Screwworm Threat

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to combat potential outbreaks of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that can infest any warm-blooded animal.

Although the pest hasn’t been confirmed in the U.S. for decades, it was recently detected in Mexico about 370 miles from the border, prompting the USDA to halt cattle imports from Mexico. Experts warn that an outbreak could threaten livestock populations, disrupt the food supply chain, and raise beef prices already at record highs.

Currently, no FDA-approved drugs exist for treating screwworm in the U.S. The new measure allows veterinarians and ranchers to use drugs that are either approved for other purposes or sourced internationally, without going through the full FDA approval process.

The USDA also announced up to $750 million will be invested in building a sterile-fly production facility in Texas, but completion could take two to three years. In the meantime, the FDA is reviewing existing products and considering foreign-market options for faster solutions.

HHS emphasized that the risk to human health remains low, but proactive steps are necessary to protect animal health and the nation’s food supply.

( Source: Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-allows-emergency-authorizations-animal-drugs-fight-screwworms-2025-08-19/)