Screwworm meds for dogs, cats get emergency authorization. Should you get them for your pet?

(NEXSTAR) – After the flesh-eating New World screwworm was identified in a small dog in New Mexico, the Food and Drug Administration announced it was granting an emergency use authorization to a medication that could fight the parasite in pets.

The drug, nitenpyram, can be used to treat screwworm infestations in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are at least four weeks old and 2 pounds.

Concern has grown over the past week as the New World screwworm entered the United States and spread. The screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds, noses, ears, eyes or mouths. Those eggs develop into parasitic larvae, or maggots, that feed on the surrounding flesh as they burrow deeper.

While the screwworm primarily affects livestock,........

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