Texas Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the use of ivermectin in medicated livestock feed. This request comes as the state is dealing with a New World screwworm outbreak, with 29 cases reported in Texas and New Mexico as of Wednesday.
New World Screwworm Outbreak
The New World screwworm is a parasitic worm that can infect livestock, causing significant harm and even death. Ivermectin is a medication that can treat some infections caused by parasitic worms. Secretary Miller argues that allowing ivermectin in medicated livestock feed would help protect free-ranging deer and other wildlife, in addition to cattle and other livestock.
Secretary Miller stated that the Texas Grain and Feed Association has requested the FDA’s authorization for the treatment, and that the infrastructure is already in place to manufacture and distribute the medicated feed. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying that Texas ranchers are fighting for their livelihoods and the security of the American food supply.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
