El Paso, TX – What is the new FDA emergency drug for dogs? Pet owners along the U.S.–Mexico border are being urged to stay alert as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Credelio (lotilaner) chewable tablets to treat New World Screwworm (NWS) infestations in dogs and puppies.
The authorization—announced October 24, 2025—follows an official public health emergency declaration from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on August 18, 2025, recognizing that NWS poses a growing risk to animal and national security. The declaration was formally published in the Federal Register on August 20 (90 FR 40609).
NWS, a parasite that infests warm-blooded animals, can cause severe tissue damage and even death if untreated. Although eradicated from North America decades ago, recent reports suggest the parasite has moved northward since 2022, making southern U.S. regions—particularly Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—areas of elevated concern.
The FDA’s approval of Credelio marks the first-ever emergency authorization for an animal drug. Manufactured by Elanco US Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, the drug is only available by veterinary prescription to ensure proper monitoring for potential side effects such as tremors or seizures, which have been linked to its active ingredient, lotilaner.
“Pet owners in high-risk areas should talk with their veterinarian about preventive care,” the FDA advised, noting that dogs traveling from or living near the border face the highest exposure risk.
