Elanco Animal Health has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, sulfanilamide topical powder) and a Section 18 Emergency Exemption from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Tanidil (coumaphos, propoxur) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in a variety of livestock species.
With confirmed cases of New World screwworm detected as close as 62 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border, these authorizations ensure veterinarians and livestock producers have a ready-now treatment option for various livestock species should the fly enter the U.S.
Negasunt Powder and Tanidil will be available only through the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and its National Veterinary Stockpile. They will be distributed in coordination with state animal health officials and federally recognized tribal agencies. APHIS will share additional information about the requirements for use, including tracking and reporting requirements and required safety and personal protective equipment.
With more than 70 years of on-farm experience, Elanco said it is committed to standing alongside livestock producers and regulators during this challenging time by providing options for prevention and treatment of NWS infestations, as well as education and science-based resources if the fly enters the U.S.
"We appreciate our federal agencies' swift review of the scientific data demonstrating that these products may be effective in prevention and treatment against New World screwworm infestations," said Ellen de Brabander, executive vice president of research and development at Elanco. "We're committed to working alongside state and federal regulatory authorities to provide our support and scientific expertise. These emergency authorizations provide new, science-based solutions and treatment options to livestock producers, veterinarians and other animal health industry stakeholders at a time when they need them most."
Effective parasite protection is paramount
Elanco now offers producers and veterinarians several key products that can help prevent and treat NWS infestations in a variety of livestock species. In addition to the EUA for Negasunt Powder and the Section 18 Emergency Exemption for Tanidil, the company also offers Catron IV — one of the few EPA-registered products labeled for treatment against screwworm in a variety of livestock species. This screwworm and ear tick spray is designed to help producers kill and control screwworm flies and maggots on beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and horses.
"The most important thing producers can do is self-education. They should be learning more about New World screwworm from credible sources, staying current with treatment protocol recommendations and knowing where active cases are located," said M. Wayne Ayers, senior technical consultant and veterinarian at Elanco. "The second most important part of preventing losses from New World screwworm is for producers to keep their 'eyes on livestock.' Looking over livestock as frequently as possible will allow early detection and treatment of infestation. Early intervention is key to minimizing tissue damage, decreasing mortality and reducing the risk to the area by preventing the fly's potential offspring from completing their lifecycle."
Preventing wound-causing parasites also essential
According to APHIS, an important way to prevent NWS infestation is to protect livestock from other wound-causing parasites such as biting flies and ticks.
"Some of the surgical and care procedures we perform for livestock could result in potential sites for the female screwworm to deposit her eggs," Ayers said. "Wounds as small as fly and tick bites are potential areas to watch for as well. Therefore, treating open wounds, including those from surgical sites, and instituting a good fly and tick prevention program will play an important role in reducing the number of infestations we may see."
Elanco offers several EPA-registered products to help control flies and ticks on livestock in the forms of pour-on liquids, sprays, dusts and ear tags.
Elanco recommends that livestock producers and veterinarians review the latest resources available from the USDA and FDA and consider additional resources in advance of the potential entry of NWS into the United States.
