Solvet, a company based in Calgary, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its equine ivermectin product in the United States for combating screwworm. The liquid ivermectin is unique as it is aqueous-based and more concentrated than traditional paste forms, making it easier to administer, according to Solvet’s CEO, Lionel Gibbs.
Established in 2009 by two former University of Calgary professors, Solvet has grown to become one of Canada’s leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies. Ivermectin, a well-known anti-parasitic drug, is effective in treating various parasites, including screwworm, a type of fly indigenous to parts of North America.
Female screwworm flies lay eggs on wounds of animals like horses and cattle, leading to larvae infestation and tissue damage. The eradication of screwworm in North America was achieved through the sterile insect technique, where mass-produced sterile male flies were released to mate with females, preventing reproduction.
However, screwworm has reappeared in Central America, Mexico, and parts of the southern United States, raising concerns. The detection of screwworm larvae on a calf in Texas prompted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to halt animal imports from the state to prevent the spread of the parasite.
Solvet’s emergency authorization from the FDA allows the sale of its ivermectin liquid specifically for screwworm treatment in the U.S. This authorization streamlines the approval process for targeted treatments in urgent situations. The product is meant for use in preventing screwworm in horses within a specified timeframe after birth or initial wound care.
Experts like John Gilleard, a veterinarian and parasitologist, support the authorization due to the severe harm screwworm can cause to animals. While the risk of screwworm in Canada is low, vigilance is maintained, with the CFIA collaborating with U.S. authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Solvet sees this as an opportunity to expand its international presence and contribute to animal welfare. The company aims to capitalize on the situation by introducing a broader label use for liquid ivermectin in the U.S., potentially boosting Alberta’s economy and funding further research initiatives.
