The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued emergency approval for the use of Capstar tablets and their generic version, nitenpyram, for the prevention and treatment of screwworm in dogs and cats. Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sept. 3 (UPI) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued an Emergency Use Authorization for two drugs to prevent and treat New World screwworm, or NWS, in dogs and cats.
According to the agency, Capstar tablets and their generic version, nitenpyram, are approved for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are at least 4 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds.
Nitenpyram tablets were approved for treatment in June.
“Although the FDA has authorized or conditionally approved multiple products for the treatment of New World screwworm in dogs and cats, none were for prevention – until today,” Timothy Schell, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said. “The FDA is addressing a previously unmet need and giving pet owners and veterinarians important tools to protect dogs and cats from NWS infestations.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed 48 domestic cases of NWS in animals as of Thursday.
The FDA said most dogs and cats in the United States are at low risk of exposure to NWS because confirmed cases “are in a limited geographic region.” It said that dogs and cats that live, travel to, or return from areas where NWS have been identified, should be watched closely for signs of infestations.
Signs of infestations include visible maggots, foul odors in sounds or body openings. Veterinary care should be sought immediately for infested dogs and cats, the FDA said.
Capster is produced by Indianapolis-based Elanco Animal Health, while nitenpyram is made by Dublin-headquartered Felix Pharmaceuticals.