The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the use of IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection for the prevention of infestations caused by New World screwworm (NWS) in cattle.
“Protecting the health and well‑being of livestock is at the core of our mission,” says Steve Boren, Boehringer Ingelheim vice president of U.S. Livestock. “Emergency Use Authorization for IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection provides cattle producers and veterinarians with an important preventive tool against New World screwworm. We appreciate the proactive approach of the FDA and USDA in response to this emerging animal health threat and remain dedicated to supporting veterinarians, producers, and government as we work together to protect cattle herds.”
Under the EUA, IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection is authorized for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae (myiasis) when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle, except for female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves that will be processed for veal.
“Having worked in regions where New World screwworm is endemic, I’ve seen firsthand that effective readiness depends on access to preventive tools and strong producer education,” says Dr. Gustavo Sabatini, Boehringer Ingelheim global technical manager for ruminant parasiticides, who recently testified before the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee on NWS preparedness alongside federal and state animal health officials and industry groups. “Screwworm strikes cattle when they are most vulnerable, including at birth, and demands more labor‑intensive management on the ground. That’s why prevention is essential – not only to protect animal health, but also to safeguard the food supply and the livelihoods of cattle producers.”
Based on available scientific evidence, FDA determined that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for the prevention of NWS in certain cattle at these critical intervention points.This is the first EUA for any over-the-counter drug for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS in cattle, providing timely access to a preventive tool should an NWS incursion occur in the U.S.
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