The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations for several products for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS).
FDA authorized the use of F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide and Negasunt Powder for the prevention and treatment of NWS infestations. The Environmental Protection Agency also authorized a Section 18 emergency exemption for Tanidil for the prevention and treatment of NWS infestations.
FDA has found that F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide may be effective in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock and others, but should not be used in domestic dog and cats. The withdrawal period for slaughter for cattle, goats and sheep is 30 days after treatment. The product is sponsored by Health and Hygiene Ltd., based in South Africa.
Elanco’s Negasunt Powder contains coumaphos, propoxur and sulfanilamide and has been found to be effective in cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys and mules, and captive wild, exotic and zoo mammals. The withdrawal period is 28 days after treatment.
Elanco’s Tanidil is an unregistered product for distribution and use only under a Section 18 emergency exemption. The Section 18 labeling must be in the possession of the user at the time of pesticide application. The topical powder contains coumaphos and propoxur. Tanidil is authorized for use in livestock, captive and temporarily captured wildlife, and select zoo species, but is not approved for use in domestic pets or birds.
Negasunt Powder and Tanidil will be available only through the U.S. Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service and its National Veterinary Stockpile. F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide is available over the counter without a prescription.
FDA has previously authorized the use of Dectomax-CA1, Exzolt Cattle-CA1, Ivomec 1% Injection and F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide for NWS treatment and prevention.
Florida restricts Texas imports
With NWS detections within 125 miles of the U.S./Mexico border, Florida issued an emergency rule placing temporary restrictions on imports into Florida from high-risk counties in Texas.
“Today we are taking aggressive action to further protect Florida and our agricultural producers from the real threat of the New World screwworm,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson on April 24. “We know how costly and dangerous this pest can be to our agricultural industry if it takes hold, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect our state.”
The temporary restrictions will require animals from high-risk counties in Texas to undergo additional veterinary screenings and treatment, if necessary. High-risk counties include the following: Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Webb and Brooks counties.
All animals from a high-risk county must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) that shows the animal has been inspected and is free of diseases and pests. Animals with wounds that are not infested with NWS larvae can be imported into Florida so long as the animal is treated with effective NWS treatments and it is documented on the OCVI. — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
