Background on the Screw Worm and its Impact
The screw worm, a parasitic fly that attacks livestock and wildlife, poses a significant threat to animal health. This fly infests any warm-blooded animal, causing severe economic and ecological damage. Recently detected in Mexico, just 600 kilometers from the US border, the screw worm has prompted the USDA to halt Mexican livestock imports.
US Proactive Measures Against Screw Worm
To prepare for potential infestations and protect the US livestock industry, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to swiftly authorize veterinarians and ranchers to treat or prevent screw worm infestations using medications that may be approved for other purposes or available in other countries.
Current Screw Worm Control Methods
The most effective method to combat the screw worm is the breeding of sterile flies that reduce wild fly populations. However, experts assert that a significantly larger number of sterile flies is required to curb the spread across Latin America, given the current production capacity limitations.
Emergency Authorization Process
Building facilities to boost sterile fly production can take a year or more. In the interim, ranchers may need rapid access to screw worm treatments for livestock that aren’t yet FDA-approved in the US. When HHS deems an emergency use authorization appropriate, the FDA can permit unapproved medical products or unapproved medical product uses to tackle severe or potentially fatal diseases when no alternatives are available.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the screw worm? The screw worm is a parasitic fly that attacks livestock and wildlife, causing significant economic and ecological damage.
- Why is the US taking action? The US aims to protect its livestock industry from potential screw worm infestations, which could reduce the country’s herd size and increase beef prices already at historical highs.
- What is the most effective method to combat screw worms? The most effective approach is breeding sterile flies that decrease wild fly populations. However, more sterile flies are needed to control the screw worm’s spread in Latin America.
- How will the US ensure rapid access to screw worm treatments? The HHS has granted the FDA emergency authorization powers, allowing for the swift approval of unapproved screw worm treatments for veterinarians and ranchers.
