FDA approves drug for New World screwworm infections in dogs and cats in Texas and New Mexico

The FDA approved emergency use of a drug to treat deadly New World screwworm infections in pets. The approval allows over-the-counter Nitenpyram Tablets for dogs and cats weighing at least two pounds and four weeks old. This follows recent detections in Texas and New Mexico. New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on animal flesh. The drug kills larvae within hours but does not prevent reinfestation.