The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization to Elanco Animal Health Inc. for CLiK Extra (dicyclanil topical suspension) wound spray for application on or around wounds to prevent infestations of New World screwworm (NWS) larvae in sheep, cattle, goats, swine and camelids, as well as captive and captured cervids, American bison, bighorn sheep and Sonoran pronghorn.
Livestock producers and veterinarians can apply Elanco’s CLiK Extra spray on or around wounds, including those associated with birth and after surgical procedures, on animals to help prevent infestations of NWS larvae before they occur. However, if a wound is already infested or an infestation develops after administration, alternative treatment will be necessary because CLiK Extra has not been shown to treat active NWS infestations.
Elanco’s Negasunt Powder and Tanidil have previously received emergency authorizations for prevention and treatment of NWS. These products will be available only through the U.S. Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) and its National Veterinary Stockpile as distributed in coordination with state animal health officials and federally recognized tribal agencies.
The reentry of NWS into the U.S., which was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture in June, poses a critical risk to farmers and ranchers, pet owners and the veterinary community. Unlike other pests, screwworm larvae aggressively consume the living flesh of their hosts, making them a danger to any warm-blooded animal, ranging from livestock and companion animals to wildlife and humans.
"Education is a producer's most powerful tool in this fight," said Dr. M. Wayne Ayers, DVM, senior technical consultant for Elanco. Ayers advises that staying informed through trusted experts and knowing exactly where the fly is active are top priorities.
"The second pillar of protection is prevention,” he said. “By checking animals as often as possible and using appropriate wound care for any noticeable lesions or sores, producers can potentially avoid conditions that might lead to New World screwworm larvae infestations. Speed is crucial. It minimizes injury to the animal, lowers the risk of death, and most importantly, prevents the next generation of flies from completing their lifecycle and expanding the outbreak. Now that New World screwworm is back in the United States, we want producers to know they don’t have to figure this out alone.”
CLiK Extra will be available for purchase by animal health professionals, livestock producers and those managing captive and captured wildlife through standard product channels.
