The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) to treat and prevent New World Screwworm (NWS) larval infestations in cattle. The drug will protect against reinfestation for up to 21 days.

Conditional approval was granted due to the urgent need for tools against this livestock threat. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the agency’s commitment to fast-tracking critical animal medicines.

FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Acting Director Timothy Schell noted that the drug is deemed safe and reasonably effective. This allows immediate use while further data is collected for full approval.

Dectomax-CA1 shares the same active ingredient and dosage as the already-approved Dectomax. It is used to treat nematode and arthropod parasites in cattle and swine. Because prior approvals already established safety, food safety and manufacturing standards, no new data was required for those aspects.

The withdrawal period for treated cattle is 35 days. There are restrictions on use in dairy cattle over 20 months and calves processed for veal.

Available in 250 mL and 500 mL bottles, the product labeling will carry both Dectomax and Dectomax-CA1 indications. Producers are urged to use it responsibly to minimize resistance.

Read more about the New World Screwworm treatment and prevention drug here.