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First New World screwworm drug receives FDA conditional approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced conditional approval of the first parasite control product that prevents and treats New World screwworm in cattle.

According to Zoetis, their new product Dectomax-CA1 treats infestations caused by larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax, or myiasis, and it prevents reinfestation for 21 days.

In the first half of 2026, producers and veterinarians will begin to see the 250 milliliter and 500 milliliter bottles of Dectomax Injectable with a new label for Dectomax-CA1. Dectomax and Dectomax-CA1 Injectable for use in cattle have a 35-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period, the company said. Zoetis says “do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Use of Dectomax or Dectomax-CA1 in dogs may result in fatalities. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.”

Zoetis says the conditional approval from FDA applies to beef cattle, female dairy cattle less than 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves and bulls. Livestock producers are encouraged to work closely with their herd veterinarian to implement strategic prevention and control measures.

In a statement on X, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Zoetis treatment is a “victory for our producers.” The secretary said USDA is committed to “protecting animal health, strengthening our farm economy, protecting America’s food security, and rebuilding our beef industry.”