FDA authorizes Bravecto for emergency treatment of screwworm in dogs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for fluralaner chewable tablets, marketed as Bravecto, to treat New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in dogs and puppies. The authorization was issued to Intervet Inc., the US animal health unit of Merck Animal Health.

The FDA concluded that scientific evidence suggests Bravecto may be effective against NWS myiasis and that its potential benefits outweigh known risks. While Bravecto is already approved for various flea and tick indications, this EUA provides veterinarians with an additional prescription option to combat the parasite.

Most dogs in the US are considered at low risk as confirmed cases are currently limited to specific geographic regions. However, the agency advises owners to monitor dogs that live in, travel to, or return from areas where animal health officials have identified infestations. Signs of infection include visible maggots or foul odors in wounds or body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

The parasite's presence in the US was recently confirmed following detections in Texas and New Mexico. The drug belongs to the isoxazoline class of antiparasitics, which the FDA noted has been associated with neurological side effects such as seizures, muscle tremors, and loss of coordination.