An animal health company says the first and only approved treatment against New World Screwworm is a significant step forward for the livestock industry.
Mike Lormore, director of cattle and pork technical services with, says the company’s latest injectable drug – Dectomax – CA 1 – provides producers and veterinarians with another tool in the fight against the pest. “It is a big deal. Producers across the country seem to be breathing a little easier the past couple of days.”
Earlier this week the U.S. Food and Drug administration granted conditional approval of the drug. It applies to beef cattle, female dairy cattle less than 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves and bulls.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary says the approval is an example of advancing animal medicines and is committed to reviewing other NWS products to protect other species.
Lormore tells Brownfield the label will be available starting next year and can be used to treat infections in livestock. “Producers will be able to see the Dectomax CA 1 label starting in early 2026 in 250 and 500 ml vials. If they have a need earlier than that, then there is existing inventory in the marketplace that will certainly be available.”
But, he says, sterile flies continue to be the best prevention option. “And that ultimately will be the major tool that will allow us over the next decade or so to push the bug back to the Darien gap. I’ve even noted that there are some conversations if we can extend it through South America.”
Lormore says producers should consult with their local veterinarian to identify any infections and continue to monitor herds.
New World screwworm has not been confirmed in the United States but was confirmed late last month 70 miles south of the U.S. border.
