On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, and sulfanilamide topical powder) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations.
The FDA has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Negasunt Powder may be effective for the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, domestic hybrid equids (e.g., mules), and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals, and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.
Currently, Elanco US Inc., the drug sponsor, intends to limit distribution of Negasunt Powder to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for further distribution to authorized users. Prior to an incursion of NWS into the U.S., Negasunt Powder is only available for use by employees of federal, state, local, and federally recognized tribal agencies, and people working under their authority and at their direction.
If there is an incursion of NWS into the U.S., the product may also be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian in NWS-infested zones and adjacent surveillance zones as defined by the USDA in the NWS Response Playbook. There are no NWS-infested zones in the U.S. because, to date, NWS is not currently in the U.S, however, it was most recently detected 60 miles from the Texas border.