(NEXSTAR) – Following the discovery of the flesh-consuming New World screwworm in a small dog in New Mexico, the Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for a medication aimed at combating this parasite in pets.
The approved drug, nitenpyram, is suitable for use in treating screwworm infestations in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that are at least four weeks old and weigh a minimum of 2 pounds.
Concerns have escalated recently as the New World screwworm made its way into the United States and began to spread. These screwworm flies deposit their eggs in open wounds, as well as in areas like the nose, ears, eyes, or mouth. The eggs hatch into parasitic larvae, commonly known as maggots, which then consume the surrounding tissue as they dig deeper.
Though screwworms predominantly threaten livestock, they are not selective and can infest any warm-blooded animal, including humans and household pets. An instance has already been reported in a small pet dog in New Mexico.
Without intervention, a screwworm infestation can prove fatal.
Who should get nitenpyram for their pets?
The only pet owners who need the screwworm-fighting medication are those whose dogs or cats are currently infected. Nitenpyram doesn’t prevent infestation by the parasite, it only treats it.
Signs of a New World screwworm infection include:
- Feeling or seeing maggots move in a skin wound or sore, or in the eyes, ears, nose and mouth
- Skin wounds that worsen
- Foul odor from the wound
- Bleeding open sores
The medication works quickly, the FDA says, “killing most NWS larvae within hours of the first dose.” A second dose is administered six hours after the first.
Veterinarians may also need to manually remove live or dead larvae from the infected wound.
The pills are available over the counter, the FDA says, with dosage based on our pet’s weight. Pet owners should still consult with a veterinarian to prevent a repeat infestation.