FDA approves emergency use of medication to treat screwworm in dogs, cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an emergency use authorization for a medication to be used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats.

Nitenpyram, an over-the-counter medication used to kill adult fleas, was shown to be effective at killing screwworm infestations based on studies in Brazil, officials said.

What they're saying: "The FDA has spent nearly a year fast-tracking reviews and readying for the arrival of New World screwworm in the U.S.," Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said.