The USDA has announced the opening of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico, for the purpose of mitigating the threat of New World screwworm (NWS) infestation. The facility will allow the USDA to disperse sterile flies aerially across northeastern Mexico, which can help prevent infestation in the US.

“The New World screwworm continues its March northward.…Unlike typical maggots that feed on necrotic tissue, this screwworm larva loves living flesh. It will, in fact, disfigure and kill livestock, pets, wildlife, and yes, even you,” Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, said in a 

Image courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association and USDA.

Two methods are used to disperse sterile insects: aerial dispersal and ground release chambers. “Aerial operations are preferred because they allow for dispersal at a steady rate through a large area and because sterile insects may be dispersed in areas that are unreachable from the ground,” the USDA said in a news release.

 “Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies remain critical components of our effective response.”

The federal agency is currently dispersing 100 million sterile flies per week in Mexico. However, the majority of reported NWS cases in Mexico have come from the southern regions and aerial operations have been limited to those areas, thus far.

Ground release chambers have been used when a need to quickly deploy sterile insects has arisen outside the range of other dispersal facilities.

 “The [new] facility will ensure flexibility and responsiveness in northern Mexico, giving us a greater ability to drop sterile flies and continue to push the pest south,” US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in the USDA release.

Earlier this year, NWS was confirmed less than 70 miles south of the US-Mexico border. This confirmation marked the northernmost detection of the parasite during the ongoing outbreak in Mexico and prompted an increase in concern for the US cattle and livestock industry.

In September 2025, the FDA issued the first conditional approval in the US for a drug indicated to prevent and treat NWS larval infestations in cattle. Doramectin injection solution (Dectomax-CA1 Injectable; Zoetis) is also indicated for the prevention of NWS reinfestation for 21 days in cattle.

“New World screwworm has the potential to bring unprecedented economic and animal health harm to livestock producers,” Mike Lormore, DVM, MS, MBA, director of cattle and pork technical services at Zoetis, said in a news release.

 “Our top priority is to support keeping animals healthy and provide timely, efficacious solutions to our customers and partners.”

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, said agency officials understand the urgency for fighting NWS infestation. According to Timothy Schell, PhD, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, the agency will continue to expediate their review of animal drugs that have the potential to protect US livestock and the livelihoods of those that care for them.

Meanwhile, the USDA is working to expand US response to the NWS threat with the construction of a 

sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base

 in Edinburg, Texas. The domestic facility is projected to open and begin sterile fly production in early 2026.

USDA announces opening of sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico. USDA. November 13, 2025. Accessed November 15, 2025. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/3fb1841

Lee C. New World screwworm invasion update; a looming threat to US borders. 

. July 15, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-world-screwworm-invasion-update-a-looming-threat-to-us-borders

Bautista-Alejandre A. New World screwworm detected less than 70 miles from the US-Mexico border. 

. September 22, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-world-screwworm-detected-less-than-70-miles-from-the-us-mexico-border

Zoetis receives conditional approval for Dectomax-CA1 injectable for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm myiasis in cattle. News release. Zoetis. September 30, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. 

https://investor.zoetis.com/news/news-details/2025/Zoetis-Receives-Conditional-Approval-for-Dectomax-CA1-Injectable-for-the-Prevention-and-Treatment-of-New-World-Screwworm-Myiasis-in-Cattle/default.aspx

Crossley KC. FDA conditionally approves drug to prevent and treat screwworm in cattle. 

. September 30, 2025. Accessed November 14, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-conditionally-approves-drug-to-prevent-and-treat-screwworm-in-cattle

Articles

The program is used to combat New World screwworm, a global health threat.

USDA opens sterile fly dispersal facility in Mexico

In the United Kingdom (UK), officials are planning to phase out animal testing through a new strategy that is expected to achieve the outcome faster. Under the new government road map unveiled by UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance earlier this week, researchers are encouraged to replace animal tests with new methods for determining the safety of products, such as vaccines and chemicals like pesticides.

“This is a road map [that] will ensure government, businesses, and animal welfare groups can work together to find alternatives to animal testing faster and more effectively,” Lord Vallance said in a government press release.

The plan acknowledges that the use of animals can only be phased out of scientific research if it can be replaced with reliable and effective alternative methods offering the same level of safety for humans. The road map includes working with partners, supporting researchers with new funding, and optimizing regulation to make the transition possible.

Doing so would help develop methods such as organ-on-a-chip systems, 3D bioprinted tissues, and an expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI), according to the government press release.

Organ-on-a-chip systems are small devices that use real human cells to mimic the way human organs work. Additionally, 3D bioprinted tissues would create realistic human tissues, such as skin and liver, to test whether certain substances are toxic. The tissues would also help researchers study human biology. Meanwhile, AI would be more extensively used to predict whether new medications will be safe and effective on humans. To achieve this, experts would use AI to analyze large quantities of information about molecules.

“Nobody in our country of animal lovers wants to see suffering, and our plan will support work to end animal testing wherever possible and roll out alternatives as soon as it is safe and effective to do so,” Lord Vallance said.

The plan outlines concrete commitments for the next couple of years, including the end of regulatory testing on animals for assessing skin and eye irritation, as well as skin sensitization, by the end of 2026. By 2027, researchers are expected to stop testing the strength of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) on mice and use only DNA-based lab methods to screen for adventitious agents, including viruses or bacteria that could accidentally contaminate the medication. By 2030, the UK aims to lower the number of pharmacokinetic studies on dogs and nonhuman primates. These studies have been historically used to track a drug’s movement through the body over time.

The UK has been at work on replacing animal testing with alternative methods for some time, with the UK first making the commitment in 2010.

In 2014, the country announced a new policy to reduce, replace, and refine (3Rs) the use of animals in research by better leveraging technology, influencing an international adoption of the 3Rs and promoting awareness and understanding about the use of animals where alternatives did not exist.

 In tandem with their commitment, the UK also created the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research.

The new plan builds on these previous initiatives and includes the following

Providing foundational training in alternative methods for early-career researchers for next year

Publishing lists of research priorities for alternative methods at least every 2 years, starting in 2026

Encouraging research funders to support alternative methods and make these methods more visible, including in academic journals

The plan also aims to position the UK as a global leader in regulating nonanimal research methods.

According to the UK, this latest road map is receiving £60 million in funding for the creation of a data, technology, and expertise hub for researchers to work together, and a new center to streamline the path to regulatory approval for new alternative methods. The Medical Research Council, Innovate UK, and the Wellcome Trust are also providing £15.9 million to help advance human in vitro models, which include organ-on-a-chip systems.

The new plan has received verbal support from various UK-based organizations, including pharmaceuticals and animal welfare groups such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, Association of Medical Research Charities, Royal Society of Biology, Francis Crick Institute, Understanding Animal Research, and Animals in Science Committee.

Animal testing to be phased out faster as UK unveils roadmap for alternative methods. News release. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. November 11, 2025. Accessed November 14, 2025. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/animal-testing-to-be-phased-out-faster-as-uk-unveils-roadmap-for-alternative-methods?utm_source=chatgpt.com

king to Reduce the Use of Animals in Scientific Research

. Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills. February 2014. Accessed November 14, 2025. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c79b1e5274a559005a1ee/bis-14-589-working-to-reduce-the-use-of_animals-in-research.pdf

The United Kingdom plans to end certain animal testing for safety assessments starting in 2026.

UK vows to phase out animal testing, turning to AI and lab-grown human tissues 

This episode of VetxChange will review medical options to relieve allergic itch and how to consider medication administration when prescribing treatments.

Itch stops here: Fast fixes for happy dogs and happier clients

This content is sponsored by Zoetis. To obtain your CE certification for this episode, head over to dvm360's Flex 

Managing canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) can be difficult, lifelong and frustrating for the owner and clinician as well as uncomfortable for the pet. It is crucial to consider factors that can increase pruritus in dogs such as secondary infections, allergies and ectoparasites. As a member of the veterinary team, we also need to consider logistics such as finances, caregiver burden and physical limitations. This podcast episode will review medical options to relieve allergic itch and how to consider medication administration when prescribing treatments.

Understand options for fast and effective management of pruritus for cases of canine atopic dermatitis.

Identify limitations with long-term allergy management to the owner (finances, physical limitations, etc.).

Feel comfortable with the rule outs of a pruritic dog.

Videos

Discover expert insights on managing itchy dogs and effective treatments on this episode of VetxChange.

A private biotechnology company that develops pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations for oncology and regenerative health recently launched an equine nutritional supplement for immune health, cellular health, and performance recovery. The company, Gerosynth Labs, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, says their new product supports musculoskeletal health, gut balance, and more.

The supplement, Mytulin EQ, was developed using Gerosynth’s proprietary phytochemical research, and its formulation draws on wild-harvested chaga mushrooms (

) that were sustainably sourced from Alaska’s Arctic Circle. According to Gerosynth Labs, the harsh climate conditions of the Arctic Circle and Gerosynth’s advanced manufacturing process contribute to a nutrient-rich, bioactive compositions that provides a natural foundation for equine cellular support and performance. Other listed ingredients include Manuka honey, derived from the 

, or Manuka, plant; triglycerides, and filtered water.

 The product is marketed as promoting musculoskeletal strength, gastrointestinal balance, and mitochondrial rejuvenation, which play a role in equine’s health and longevity.

Biometric sensors may help identify the few Thoroughbreds at highest risk for fatal musculoskeletal injury

"Horses performing at a high-level demand exceptional cellular recovery and immune resilience," Kendall Willson, DVM MRCVS, said in a company press release.

 "Mytulin EQ's formulation supports both performance and long-term health, giving veterinarians and trainers a valuable new tool for sustained equine wellness."

The supplement comes in a 64 oz pouch. A single pouch is priced at $280. The product is kept refrigerated and can be administered directly or added to food. High-performing horses weighing less than 500 lbs can take up to 3 oz of the supplement while light or maintenance horses should only be administered 1 oz of the product per day, according to Mytosynth Nutraceuticals—a brand under Gerosynth Labs.

 Horses weighing between 1500 and 2000 lbs can receive up to 9 oz a day of the supplement if they are high-performing animals. Meanwhile, users can administer up to 4 oz each day to light or maintenance horses between 1500 and 2000 lbs. Horses between 500 and 1500 lbs can take up to 6 oz per day if they are high performance.

The product should not be used in pregnant or breeding horses unless under a veterinarian’s direction. In the event of an overdose, the horse should receive veterinary care immediately.

"Mytulin EQ represents the culmination of years of translational research at the intersection of biotechnology and animal health," said Alisha O'Dell, CEO and founder of Gerosynth Labs.

 "Our goal is to bring evidence-based, naturally derived solutions to market that advance equine wellness without the limitations often associated with traditional pharmaceuticals."

Gerosynth Labs announces launch of Mytulin EQ, an advanced equine nutritional supplement. News release. Gerosynth Labs, Inc. November 11, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gerosynth-labs-announces-launch-of-mytulin-eq-an-advanced-equine-nutritional-supplement-302611204.html

Mytulin EQ. Mytosynth Nutraceuticals. Accessed November 13, 2025. https://mytosynth.com/product/mytulin-eq/

Mytulin EQ supports immune health, cellular support, and performance recovery for horses.

Biotech company launches equine supplement targeting immune and cellular health

Last year, right before Thanksgiving, Kiana Sutherlin was frying chicken wings on her stove and was adding both garlic and onion powder to the food to give it an extra kick. While this would be a treat for any humans ingesting her cooking, her dog Snoopy would get a trip to the emergency room instead.

“Snoopy is a notorious counter surfer,” Sutherlin explained, in an news release.

 “We’ve tried to train him, but it’s his way or no way. I was cooking some fried chicken wings, and I added several ounces of both onion and garlic powder. I also used a full bottle of cooking oil, and what was left of a second bottle. After I was done cooking, I placed the pan full of used oil at the back of the stovetop and covered it so Snoopy couldn’t get to it. I then left it to my husband Joe to clean up the next day.”

However, the following day when her husband Joe came to dump the oil, he had to stop for a few minutes to answer a phone call, which gave Snoopy the perfect opportunity to jump on the counter. When Joe came back, Snoopy had licked almost all of the oil, which contained a large amount of seasoning. Snoopy began vomiting oil and continued to do so into the next day; Sutherlin said he was whining, crying and still vomiting. This resulted in her calling an emergency veterinary clinic, who recommended Pet Poison Helpline. 

Once on the phone, Sutherlin told Pet Poison Helpline experts the list and amounts of seasonings that were in the oil. After considering Snoopy’s size and other factors, the experts recommended he be taken to a veterinarian.

“Onions and garlic can be deadly to pets if ingested in a large enough quantity, with garlic being 5 times as potent,” explained Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline.

 “Snoopy consumed used cooking oil that contained large amounts of onion and garlic powder, which is even more concentrated and therefore more dangerous.”

Snoopy’s medical team was concerned about gastrointestinal upset, aspiration risk, and pancreatitis from the cooking oil, plus potentially red blood cell damage from the powders. At the hospital, Snoopy was treated with antiemetic to stop the vomiting, fluid therapy to rehydrate, and gastrointestinal protectants to help minimize risk of diarrhea and gastrointestinal irritation.

 The team then addressed the onion and garlic concerns with bloodwork to be performed every few days to keep his eye on red blood cell count for a week following admission.

With the work done by the medical team, Snoopy has made a full recovery and is acting as normal.

“Snoopy is very sweet, but he’s a bull in a China shop,” Sutherlin concluded. “No matter what we do, it’s his way, so we had to change our habits. We make sure all garbage is secure and we clean up right after we cook. In fact, now that I think about it, the whole thing was so traumatic that we haven’t fried anything since then.”

All pets featured in Toxin Tails have been successfully treated for the poisoning and fully recovered. According to Pet Poison Helpline, these stories are shared to educate both veterinary professionals and clients the many different types of poisoning dangers pets face year-round.

Counter-Surfing Pooch Poisoned by Poultry Seasonings. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. November 5, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/toxintails/counter-surfing-pooch-poisoned-by-poultry-seasonings/

Ahead of the holiday season, be sure to caution clients on the dangers this time of year can present to pets

Counter surfing canine ingests cooking seasonings  

At 43 days, the longest US government shutdown in history ended this week as President Donald Trump signed government funding bill H.R. 5371.

 Under the narrowly passed compromise, most federal agencies will receive temporary funding at the same levels as fiscal year 2025 through January 30, 2026. Some departments, including the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), will receive full-year funding through September 30, 2026. Funding includes money for federal veterinary and food safety programs.

H.R. 5371 guarantees back pay for federal employees and bars agencies from cutting full-time staff while the continuing resolution is in effect. Additionally, federal workers that were fired by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on October 1 will be rehired.

On November 10, the Senate approved the bill. Then, on November 12, Trump signed the bill, hours after the House approved the measure in a mostly partisan vote of 222-209.

What this means for the veterinary industry

The bill allocates $203.4 billion in total funding for the USDA and FDA through the full-year appropriations bill, covering discretionary and mandatory spending. With the more-than-monthlong gridlock over, the veterinary industry can expect fundings at fiscal year 2025 levels for programs including the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program ($10 million), Veterinary Services Grant Program ($4 million), and Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank ($2 million).

H.R. 5371 also sets aside $750,000 to support the Alaska Native Rural Veterinary Care—which increases access to veterinary care to underserved tribal or rural communities in Alaska—while providing $1.9 million for a pathological waste incinerator at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. It also includes $1 million to develop a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and $560,535 for a mobile veterinary research and training laboratory at Utah State University.

The legislation also calls for the USDA to report on its domestic readiness and response plans for New World screwworm (

). With detections less than 70 miles from the US-Mexico border reported 

, the parasite may be approaching the US.

Through the the bill, most provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which had been scheduled to expire on September 30, will be extended through January 30, 2026.

Additionally, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will receive funding, and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service budget for State Meat and Poultry Inspection and Cooperative Interstate Shipment programs will be increased by $15 million.

Senate passes bill to end government shutdown, veterinary programs funded. American Veterinary Medical Association. November 12, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/senate-passes-bill-end-government-shutdown-veterinary-programs-funded

House. H.R. 5371 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. 119th Cong. (2025–2026). Actions. Congress.gov. Published November 12, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371/all-actions

The Latest: Longest government shutdown in US history ends after 43 days as Trump signs funding bill. 

. November 12, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-snap-travel-8cae829d4472a165846d1aae3e82f310

Bautista-Alejandre A. New World screwworm detected less than 70 miles from the US-Mexico border. 

. September 22, 2025. Accessed November 13, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-world-screwworm-detected-less-than-70-miles-from-the-us-mexico-border

The longest government shutdown in US history came to an end on November 12.