Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately authorize the use of ivermectin in medicated livestock feed, saying Texas ranchers need every proven tool available to stop the rapidly expanding New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak before it inflicts even greater damage on the state’s livestock industry.
The request, submitted on behalf of the Texas Grain and Feed Association, seeks an emergency use authorization (EUA) allowing ivermectin to be incorporated into medicated feed and mineral supplements for cattle and other susceptible livestock. Feed-based ivermectin would also provide the only practical means of protecting free-ranging deer and other warm-blooded wildlife from the destructive parasite.
“Texas ranchers are fighting for their livelihoods and the security of the American food supply. They don’t have time to wait,” Miller said. “We’ve already seen this parasite spread across multiple Texas counties in just a few weeks. Every day we delay is another day the New World screwworm gains ground. We need every effective weapon available, and we need it now.”
While Miller praised the FDA’s recent emergency authorization allowing the use of injectable ivermectin, he said the current approach is not sufficient for the realities of large-scale Texas ranching.
“Injectable ivermectin was an important first step, but it’s not enough,” Miller said. “Feed-based ivermectin would allow producers to protect entire herds quickly, efficiently and with far less stress on both livestock and producers. Just as importantly, it gives us a practical way to extend protection to deer and other wildlife. You can’t expect producers to round up and inject thousands of free-range cattle every few weeks while this outbreak continues to expand.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture is urging the FDA to authorize the use of ivermectin in medicated feed, establish appropriate dosing and withdrawal guidelines, and expedite its review in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Texas Grain and Feed Association has committed to rapidly manufacture and distribute medicated feed upon approval, ensuring producers can begin using it without delay.
“The infrastructure is already in place,” Miller said. “Our feed manufacturers are ready. Our producers are ready. The only thing standing in the way is federal approval.”
