New World Screwworm Emergency Order Issued as Trump Beef Moves Spark Fury
The federal government has authorized another weapon in the fight against a flesh-eating parasite that has spread into the U.S.
The U.S. government has authorized an emergency use for a generic ivermectin injection, Bimectin, to combat the New World screwworm, a parasitic threat that has recently emerged in Texas and New Mexico. This decision comes amid criticism from ranchers and industry observers due to the administration's reopening of certain U.S.-Mexico cattle trade portions amid ongoing screwworm outbreaks.
The FDA's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows Bimectin to be administered within 24 hours of birth, during castration, or when animals develop wounds that could attract screwworm flies. The FDA's Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine, Timothy Schell, stated that this authorization expands the available options for ranchers to protect their herds from the devastating impacts of the screwworm, which can cause severe injuries, economic losses, and even death in livestock.
The FDA's approval of Bimectin, a generic ivermectin product, comes after the agency previously approved a similar drug, Ivomec, for controlling various cattle parasites. Although the drug is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription, it cannot be used on lactating dairy cows or calves destined for the veal market.
The FDA has a 35-day withdrawal period before slaughter to prevent drug residues in the food supply. This move follows recent concerns about the U.S. cattle industry, as the administration's policy decisions on beef imports have raised doubts among some agricultural groups about the government's commitment to supporting domestic cattle producers.
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