Ag News

USDA opens new lab, names key advisor as NWS cases rise

The number of New World Screwworm (NWS) cases confirmed by USDA had risen to 19 animals as of June 23. All of these cases were in domestic animals – 18 of the cases were in cattle, goats or sheep reported in nine different Texas counties currently southwest and northwest of San Antonio. One case was a dog from New Mexico that was originally reported in Texas but reclassified as New Mexico. Visit https://gfb.ag/USDANWSstatus for more details and to stay current on the status of NWS cases in the U.S. Data is updated daily at 6 p.m. ET.

NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS flies lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes of animals and the larvae hatch within hours and burrow into the animal’s flesh.

NWS does not pose a risk to the food supply. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

Livestock producers and pet owners are encouraged to monitor their animals for signs of infestation of NWS flies, maggots or eggs. Producers should look at animal openings such as the nose, ears, umbilicus or genitalia for open wounds and potential signs of maggot infestation.

In Georgia, to report suspected cases, please call the Office of the State Veterinarian at 404-656-3667 or email AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov. Report suspected cases in wildlife to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources by calling 1-800-366-2661 or your local DNR office. For human concerns call 866-782-4584 for guidance. 

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

On June 5, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) implemented enhanced health requirements for bringing all warm-blooded animals, such as equine, livestock, and companion animals into Georgia from other states. Visit https://agr.georgia.gov/new-world-screwworm for the latest information regarding GDA requirements to transport animals from other states to Georgia and for the most up-to-date list of states, counties affected.

Bellinger to oversee NWS preparedness

On June 8, the USDA announced the appointment of John Bellinger as the new senior advisor for New World Screwworm preparedness. In this role, Bellinger will integrate into USDA’s team to help further drive its robust effort to explore all available technologies to combat the New World Screwworm.

Bellinger currently serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents after being appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023. On the board, he serves as chairman of the Committee on Research.

As part of the established NWS eradication strategy, USDA began releasing sterile NWS flies June 4 in the area where the first NWS infestation was detected in Zavala County, Texas. These missions will disperse millions of sterile flies to disrupt the pest’s lifecycle. USDA APHIS response teams are also on the ground in Texas to treat infested animals and diagnosis potential cases. The National Veterinary Stockpile has relocated NWS treatment supplies to Texas to better support affected producers in the infested zone. 

FDA authorizes use of drugs to treat NWS livestock & pets

As the threat of NWS moved closer to the U.S. last year, the FDA began proactively issuing conditional approval and then Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for various drugs to be used in livestock, domestic pets, zoo animals and birds in the event NWS entered the U.S. Visit https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/animal-drugs-new-world-screwworm for a complete list of the drugs that have received EUAs.

In May, the FDA issued an EUA for Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution for the prevention and treatment of NWS infestations in dairy cattle (lactating dairy cows, dry dairy cows, and replacement dairy heifers 20 months of age and older), except for calves that will be processed for veal. The EUA also authorizes Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 for the prevention of NWS infestations in swine, horses at least one year old, sheep, except for lactating sheep, and deer.

In April, FDA issued an EUA for Negasunt powder (coumaphos, propoxur, and sulfanilamide topical powder) to prevent and treat NWS infestations in cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, mules, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. Currently, Elanco U.S. Inc., the drug sponsor, intends to limit distribution of Negasunt Powder to the USDA to distribute to authorized users. Before NWS entered the U.S., Negasunt Powder was only available for use by employees of federal, state, local, and federally recognized tribal agencies, and people working under their authority and at their direction. Since NWS entered the U.S., the product may also be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian in NWS-infested zones and adjacent surveillance zones as defined by the USDA. 

Also in April, FDA issued an EUA  for F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical ointment) for the prevention and treatment of NWS infestations in cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, raptors and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. It may not be used in domestic dogs and cats. FDA issues an EUA  for F10 Antiseptic Wound spray (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical solution) with insecticide in February for the same species.

In February, the FDA issued an EUA for the use of Ivomec (ivermectin) injectable solution in cattle when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or when a wound appears. Ivomec is not for use in female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves that will be processed for veal. The slaughter withdrawal period for cattle is 35 days. Ivomec is available over the counter without a prescription. Producers are responsible for using Ivomec in accordance with the product labeling and fact sheet .

On June 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for generic nitenpyram tablets for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds and are at least four weeks old. This is the first generic animal drug authorized for use against NWS.

Nitenpyram works quickly, killing most NWS larvae within hours of the first dose. Pet owners should administer a second dose six hours after the first. Because the effects are short-acting, nitenpyram tablets do not prevent NWS infestation or protect against reinfestation.

Following treatment with nitenpyram, a veterinary professional may need to physically remove any remaining live or dead larvae. This task is best performed by someone with training in veterinary medicine to minimize the risk of infection or further tissue damage. Pet owners should consult a veterinarian about appropriate wound care and how to minimize the risk of reinfestation.

Nitenpyram Tablets are available over the counter and come in two tablet sizes: 11.4 and 57 mg. Dosage is based on a dog’s or cat’s weight. Do not administer to pets less than two pounds.

Detailed product information about Nitenpyram Tablets can be found in the Fact Sheet: Emergency Use Authorization of Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) for New World Screwworm (NWS). [JAW6] Refer to the package insert for safety information related to redosing, use in pregnant or nursing dogs and cats, and use together with other products.

FDA issued an EUA https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-issues-emergency-use-authorizations-drugs-treat-new-world-screwworm-dogs-and-cats  in February for the use of NexGard and NexGard Combo in cats and dogs to treat NWS. NexGard and NexGard COMBO are available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian because professional expertise is required to monitor for and respond to potential adverse reactions. 

USDA opens new livestock insects research lab

On May 27, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) opened the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility that will provide the U.S. cattle industry with innovative tools and advanced technologies to manage and eliminate the invasive fly and tick pests that threaten the U.S. cattle industry.

The new 52,000‑square‑foot laboratory features cutting‑edge laboratory spaces, advanced cattle facilities, and a state‑of‑the‑art genomics core to drive research that delivers innovative control technologies for the U.S. livestock industry. Other on-site research opportunities will involve improved surveillance and trapping tools, novel insecticides and acaricides (pesticides designed to kill certain arachnids, including ticks and mites), enhanced pesticide delivery techniques for cattle and wildlife, sustainable treatments to prevent and mitigate outbreaks of invasive/quarantine arthropod species, improved approaches to combat pesticide resistance, and insect genomics to identify pest vulnerabilities.

The facility also houses two ARS research units: the Livestock Arthropod Pest Research Unit and the Veterinary Pest Genetics Research Unit. Collectively, these units improve the health, sustainability, and profitability of U.S. livestock production and protect the U.S food supply from devastating arthropod pests, including biting flies, ticks, and the New World Screwworm. On-site research also plays a role in critical research to eradicate other ticks and blood feeding flies that can harm, infect, and kill cattle.

The laboratory is named after two influential and pioneering USDA researchers: Drs. Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland. In 1937, Knipling first developed the theory that screwworms could be controlled using the sterile male technique. In the early 1950s, Bushland successfully demonstrated that the theory worked, that viable sterile male screwworms could be produced and used to control screwworm populations.

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