- FDA issues Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide
- First authorization covering multiple species beyond cattle, dogs, and cats
- Approved for use in livestock, horses, wildlife, exotic mammals, and birds
- Product not permitted for use in dogs and cats
- Includes strict food safety withdrawal and milk discard requirements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in a wide range of animal species.
The topical product contains benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide, and cypermethrin, and is authorized for use in cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, wild and exotic mammals, as well as wild and pet birds. The product is not authorized for use in dogs and cats.
Expanding response to screwworm risk
The authorization marks the first time the FDA has cleared a product for NWS treatment across multiple non-traditional species, expanding beyond previous authorizations focused on cattle, dogs, and cats.
The agency determined that available scientific evidence supports the product’s potential effectiveness and that its benefits outweigh potential risks under emergency conditions.
While most animals in the United States are considered low risk, those located near the U.S.–Mexico border or with exposure to regions where NWS is present face higher risk of infestation.
Food safety and usage restrictions
The FDA established specific food safety guidelines for treated animals:
- Cattle, sheep, and goats must not be slaughtered within 30 days of treatment
- Milk from treated animals must be discarded during treatment and for 10 days after
- Treated calves and calves born to treated cows must not be processed for veal
- Use in certain wildlife species is limited to cases where animals will not enter the food supply
The agency concluded that food products from treated animals are safe for human consumption when these conditions are followed.
Emergency authorization framework
F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide is available over the counter and had previously been indexed for use in minor species for wound care and fly control. However, it has not undergone full FDA approval or conditional approval.
The EUA will remain in effect until it is revoked or the public health emergency declaration related to New World screwworm is terminated.
The product is sponsored by Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd, based in South Africa.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
