By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of Dectomax and Dectomax CA1 injectable solution to manage New World screwworm infestations in livestock.
The authorization includes dairy cattle, replacement heifers over 20 months, swine, sheep excluding lactating animals, deer, and horses at least one year old. Calves intended for veal production are not included.
According to the FDA, the decision was based on scientific evidence showing that the treatment is reasonably expected to be effective. The agency also stated that the overall benefits of use are greater than possible risks.
Dectomax is already approved for parasite control in cattle and swine and conditionally approved for beef cattle. This emergency authorization expands its use for screwworm control across more species.
Food safety remains a key requirement. Milk from treated dairy animals must be discarded during treatment and for 468 hours after the last dose. This step helps prevent unsafe drug residues from entering the food chain.
Producers must also follow withdrawal periods before slaughter. These include 35 days for dairy cattle, sheep, and deer, and 24 days for swine.
Some restrictions apply. The product must not be used in horses younger than one year or in animals intended for human consumption in the case of horses. It is also not allowed for lactating sheep due to milk residue concerns.
There is no withdrawal guideline for young calves, so treated calves and calves born from treated cows cannot be used for veal processing.
This emergency use of authorization will stay in place until the declared public health risk related to screwworm infestation is removed. The product is manufactured by Zoetis Inc., a leading animal health company.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: National