Elanco's CLiK™ Extra Wound Spray Receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization to Combat New World Screwworm

Elanco Animal Health has officially announced that its product, CLiK™ Extra (dicyclanil topical suspension), has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The spray is specifically indicated for application on or around wounds to prevent infestation by the New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), a highly destructive parasite.

The New World Screwworm remains a severe threat to the agricultural and wildlife sectors. Larvae of this species feed on the living tissues of warm-blooded animals, causing profound injury, secondary bacterial infections, and potential mortality if left untreated. This emergency authorization allows veterinarians, farmers, and wildlife managers to apply the treatment to a variety of livestock as well as captive and captured wildlife species, providing a critical tool in emergency mitigation efforts.

The active ingredient in the product, dicyclanil, is a well-established compound for the control of ectoparasites. By providing this suspension in a convenient spray format, the product enables rapid, precise application to open wounds, which are primary targets for the female screwworm fly. The treatment acts as a protective barrier, preventing the eggs from hatching and the larvae from establishing themselves within the wound tissue.

Securing this FDA authorization highlights the urgent need to manage this pest, as outbreaks can result in significant economic damage and endanger animal populations. Having access to a certified and effective preventive measure is a crucial component of biosecurity protocols for farms, ranching operations, and wildlife rehabilitation centers facing the threat of screwworm outbreaks.

Elanco is continuing to coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure that stakeholders have access to the necessary resources during this emergency situation. Experts emphasize the importance of strictly adhering to the label instructions when using CLiK™ Extra to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and to maximize the efficacy of protection against infestations in regions where the threat is currently elevated.