Elanco Animal Health is preparing the U.S. for the potential arrival of the New World Screwworm (NWS) on U.S. soil, having received government approval for two additional treatments, with the pest being spotted 62 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border.
The animal health company received an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a coumaphos, propoxur, sulfanilamide topical powder called Negasunt Powder, the company shared in a press release. Additionally, Elanco received a Section 18 emergency exemption from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its coumaphos- and propoxur-based NWS preventive and treatment Tanidil.
These treatments will be available from the U.S. Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service’s National Veterinary Stockpile, which will distribute Negasunt Powder and Tanidil, working with state animal health officials and tribal agencies, Elanco shared. Additionally, the agency will share requirements for treatment use, like tracking, reporting, and safety requirements.
Additionally, Elanco offers Catron IV, an EPA-registered screwworm and ear tick spray, to kill and control maggots and NWS flies, which can be used to treat cattle, hogs, horses, sheep, and goats.
“We appreciate our federal agencies’ swift review of the scientific data demonstrating that these products may be effective in prevention and treatment against New World screwworm infestations. We’re committed to working alongside state and federal regulatory authorities to provide our support and scientific expertise. These emergency authorizations provide new, science-based solutions and treatment options to livestock producers, veterinarians, and other animal health industry stakeholders at a time when they need them most,” said Ellen de Brabander, executive VP of research and development at Elanco, in a press release.
A multi-pronged defense against NWS
This treatment comes as NWS was detected in Nuevo León, Mexico, which is 62 miles from the U.S. border. The U.S and Mexican governments have been working on sterile fly facilities to reduce the population of the flies and thus the spread, as AgTechNavigator reported.
Most importantly, ranchers need to educate themselves on NWS to understand treatment protocols and location of cases, explained M. Wayne Ayers, Elanco senior technical consultant and veterinarian, in a press release.
“The second most important part of preventing losses from New World screwworm is for producers to keep their ‘eyes on livestock.’ Looking over livestock as frequently as possible will allow early detection and treatment of infestation. Early intervention is key to minimizing tissue damage, decreasing mortality, and reducing the risk to the area by preventing the fly’s potential offspring from completing their lifecycle,” he elaborated.
Additionally, wound care for animals becomes crucial, as procedures “could result in potential sites for the female screwworm to deposit her eggs,” Ayers explained.
“Wounds as small as fly and tick bites are potential areas to watch for as well. Therefore, treating open wounds, including those from surgical sites, and instituting a good fly and tick prevention program will play an important role in reducing the number of infestations we may see,” he added.
