WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 19, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize emergency use of animal drugs to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic pest threatening livestock, pets, and wildlife.
The move gives FDA the ability to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs not yet formally approved for screwworm infestations in the U.S., but that may be used abroad or approved for other conditions. Officials said the measure is a proactive step to protect the nation’s agriculture and food supply.
The New World Screwworm, eradicated from North and Central America decades ago, has been advancing north since 2022 and is now nearing the U.S.-Mexico border. While the parasite poses only a low risk to humans, it can cause severe tissue damage and death in animals, creating what officials describe as an emerging threat to food security and national security.
“Today we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s livestock.”
Currently, no FDA-approved drugs exist in the U.S. for treating NWS. By using EUA authority, veterinarians could gain access to treatments more quickly if outbreaks occur.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins called the step critical for defending American ranchers and farmers. “This emergency use authorization is another tool we can use in the fight against New World Screwworm,” she said. “Stopping this pest is a national security priority, and we are linking arms across President Trump’s cabinet to defend our borders and push back this threat.”
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. added that the agency is moving “swiftly and responsibly” to ensure veterinarians and farmers have access to necessary tools to prevent infestations and protect the food supply.
The FDA said it will issue additional guidance for veterinarians and stakeholders in the coming weeks, along with updates to its New World Screwworm: Information for Veterinarians webpage.
