FDA Approves New Spray to Fight Screwworm in Livestock
National News - The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for a new drug meant to help protect livestock and wildlife from New World screwworm. The drug is called CLiK Extra, and it is a topical wound spray.
The spray can be used on sheep, cattle, goats, swine, and camelids like camels, llamas, and alpacas. It is also authorized for certain captive and captured wildlife, including deer, elk, American bison, bighorn sheep, and Sonoran pronghorn.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the authorization gives farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and wildlife managers a new tool to fight the pest. He said, "Under President Trump's leadership, we are giving American farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and wildlife managers the tools they need to fight back. Today's emergency use authorization provides a new tool for preventing the spread of New World screwworm infestations, and we will continue to work to combat this threatening pest."
The FDA said it reviewed the scientific evidence available and concluded the spray may be effective at preventing screwworm infestations when used as authorized. The agency also said the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.
Timothy Schell, director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, explained why wildlife species were included in the authorization. He said, "The FDA recognizes that the impact of New World screwworm extends beyond the farm gate. Authorizing this product for captive and captured wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, Sonoran pronghorn, American bison, and cervids like deer and elk, is about protecting these animals and helping ensure they do not contribute to the spread of NWS in the United States."
The spray is meant to prevent infestations, not treat them. It is applied on or around wounds, including those from birth, surgery, or routine procedures like dehorning, ear tagging, castration, tail docking, and shearing.
If a wound is already infested, or becomes infested after the spray is used, the FDA said a veterinarian should be contacted to discuss treatment. The product does not kill screwworm larvae directly.
Instead, CLiK Extra works as an insect growth regulator. It stops the larvae from developing before they can damage the animal's tissue.
The spray is available over the counter for topical use. The FDA noted that CLiK Extra is not approved or conditionally approved for any other use.
The emergency authorization will stay in effect until it is revoked, or until federal health officials decide the screwworm threat no longer justifies it.
