FDA green lights more screwworm medications: Should you give them to your pets?

Related video above: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses the New World screwworm threat in June 2026

(NEXSTAR) – The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorizations for more medications that can prevent and treat infestations of the flesh-eating New World screwworm spreading along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The number of cases has grown to 45, all in Texas and New Mexico. While the parasite mainly affects cattle and livestock, it can and has been found in domesticated dogs.

The screwworm spreads when its flies lay eggs in open wounds, noses, mouths, ears or eyes. This can happen to animals or people. Those eggs hatch into larvae or maggots, that burrow deeper into the flesh.

Now, pets found with a burrowing screwworm have a few medication options. As of Thursday, the FDA gave Simparica........

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