Federal regulators have approved emergency use of an injectable drug to help producers battle the growing New World screwworm threat across multiple livestock species.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an Emergency Use Authorization for Dectomax and Dectomax CA1, a doramectin injectable solution sponsored by Zoetis. The authorization allows the product to be used for prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations in dairy cattle and for prevention in swine, horses, sheep and deer.
The move comes as livestock groups and animal health officials continue preparing for the possibility of the parasite moving closer to the United States cattle industry.
Under the authorization, the drug can now be used in lactating dairy cows, dry dairy cows and replacement dairy heifers older than 20 months. It also covers swine, sheep, deer and horses at least one year old.
FDA officials said available scientific data showed the product may be effective against New World screwworm and determined the benefits outweigh the potential risks when used according to label directions.
The product already carried approval for treatment and control of certain parasites in cattle and swine. It also previously received conditional approval for New World screwworm use in beef cattle. The new authorization expands emergency access into additional livestock species.
Producers will need to pay close attention to withdrawal times and milk restrictions.
Milk from treated dairy cattle cannot enter the food supply during treatment and for 468 hours, or 19 and a half days, after treatment.
Slaughter withdrawal periods include:
- 35 days for dairy cattle and replacement heifers
- 24 days for swine
- 35 days for sheep
- 35 days for deer
FDA officials also warned the product cannot be used in calves intended for veal production and is not authorized for horses under one year old or horses intended for human consumption.
The authorization remains in place until federal officials determine the New World screwworm emergency declaration is no longer needed.
Leave a Reply