FDA Clears Emergency Use of Drug to Fight Screwworm Infections in Pets

TL;DR

FDA grants emergency use authorization for nitenpyram to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats.
Nitenpyram is the first generic animal drug approved for this purpose.
The medication is suitable for dogs and cats weighing at least two pounds and aged at least four weeks.
Nitenpyram was previously approved for flea treatment under the brand name Capstar.
Studies showed nitenpyram expelled most maggots, with remaining larvae dying.
New World screwworm, previously thought eradicated in the U.S., has reappeared in Texas cattle and a New Mexico dog.
The drug kills larvae within hours, but a second dose is recommended six hours later.
Nitenpyram's effects are short-acting and do not prevent new infestations.

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