HHS allows emergency use for animal drugs to fight screwworm outbreak

(NewsNation) — The Department of Health and Human Services has cleared the way for an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration allowing the use of animal drugs to help treat or prevent screwworm infestations.

The New World screwworm infests warm-blooded animals — including wildlife, livestock and pets — causing severe tissue damage and sometimes death.

Human infections are possible but rare, and officials said the risk to human health remains low.

HHS said the move is aimed at eradicating threats to animal populations and protecting food supply chains.

“Our priority is to safeguard both animal health and the nation’s food supply,” said FDA commissioner Marty Makary. “FDA is acting swiftly and responsibly to help ensure we have the necessary tools to prevent and control New World Screwworm, minimizing risks to agriculture and public health.”

Screwworm was eradicated from North America and Central America decades ago but has progressed north and is approaching the U.S. border with Mexico.

There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for screwworm in the United States. The emergency use authorization allows the use of certain animal drugs approved for other purposes or that are available in other countries but not formally approved in the U.S.