By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted conditional approval for Dectomax-CA1, a doramectin injectable solution developed by Zoetis, to prevent and treat New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in cattle. This is the first product conditionally approved for use against NWS, marking an important step toward protecting Kansas livestock and supporting producers affected by this invasive parasite.
The newly approved treatment will help prevent reinfestation for up to 21 days, providing extended protection to a range of cattle, including beef cattle, female dairy cattle under 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves, and bulls.
“Under this conditional approval, the FDA has determined the drug is safe and has a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. "We are making this treatment available to cattle producers immediately while the sponsor collects the data needed for full approval,” said Timothy Schell, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
“The FDA will continue to expedite review of animal drugs to help the U.S. fight this devastating threat to our nation’s livestock and the livelihoods of the farmers and ranchers who care for them.”
Dectomax-CA1 shares the same active ingredient—doramectin—as Dectomax, an already approved medication used to control nematode and arthropod parasites in cattle and swine. Because the original Dectomax approval included sufficient safety, manufacturing, and human food safety data, new studies were not required for the conditional authorization of Dectomax-CA1.
Kansas livestock producers stand to benefit from this advancement, as the state continues to prioritize strong biosecurity and rapid response to animal health challenges. The FDA’s expedited process underscores its commitment to providing producers with safe and effective tools to combat emerging livestock threats.
This conditional approval strengthens ongoing efforts to safeguard Kansas cattle herds and maintain the region’s reputation for high-quality beef production through science-based animal health solutions.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle