Austin, Texas, December 6, 2025
The FDA’s recent conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 provides Texas cattle producers with a new preventative treatment against New World screwworms and cattle fever ticks. This advancement promises to enhance herd health and bolster the state’s cattle industry, ensuring economic resilience amidst ongoing challenges from parasitic threats. Texas, a leader in beef production, is set to benefit significantly from this innovative solution, which aims to protect livestock and improve overall agricultural outcomes.
Austin, Texas – The FDA’s recent conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 marks an important stride in advancing cattle health and safeguarding the Texas cattle industry from the threats posed by New World screwworms and cattle fever ticks. As local entrepreneurs and agricultural leaders seek innovative solutions to combat these age-old challenges, this new tool could play a crucial role in bolstering not only the livestock sector but the overall economic landscape of the region.
With Texas being a powerhouse in the cattle industry, representing a significant share of the nation’s beef production, the approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 signifies the state’s commitment to maintaining its agricultural resilience and promoting smart regulatory practices that foster innovation. The thorough review and eventual approval process highlights the balance between safety and the pressing needs of producers in a competitive economy.
The FDA’s decision stems from critical evaluations around cattle health management, particularly regarding the alarming potential threats from parasites such as New World screwworms, which can cause severe harm to livestock. Given that Texas has a permanent quarantine zone along the U.S.-Mexico border, the proactive adoption of measures like Exzolt Cattle-CA1 becomes essential for Texas ranchers aiming to protect their herds effectively.
What is Exzolt Cattle-CA1?
Exzolt Cattle-CA1 is a topical solution approved by the FDA for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations and the control of cattle fever ticks in beef cattle aged two months and older, as well as replacement dairy heifers under 20 months. This conditionally approved treatment represents the first of its kind aimed specifically at these critical issues.
The Threat of New World Screwworms
New World screwworms are larvae of the NWS fly, notorious for laying eggs in open wounds or body openings of live animals. Once hatched, these parasitic larvae burrow into flesh, causing significant damage that can result in severe health complications and even death among affected livestock. With past eradication efforts in the U.S. dating back to 1966, recent detections in northern Mexico raise flags among cattle producers about potential reintroduction threats.
Understanding Cattle Fever Ticks
Cattle fever ticks, including Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. microplus, pose substantial risks to the cattle industry due to their ability to transmit deadly protozoa such as Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. These protozoa lead to cattle fever, which can result in acute anemia, high fever, and a staggering mortality rate of up to 90% in susceptible cattle. While cattle fever was eradicated in the U.S. by 1943, the persistence of these ticks in a designated quarantine zone underscores the ongoing threat they pose to livestock health.
The Impact of the Approval
The FDA’s approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 equips cattle producers with an essential new tool to combat the dangers of parasites. Its introduction is expected to enhance the health and productivity of livestock, reducing economic losses and improving the overall viability of the cattle industry in Texas, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approaches to agricultural challenges.
Moreover, the potential to leverage limited regulation to facilitate the introduction of new solutions speaks to the importance of responsible governance that encourages growth without compromising safety. The resilience of Texas ranchers is remarkable, and with the right innovations, they can emerge stronger from challenges.
Conclusion
The conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 represents a pivotal development in the fight against harmful cattle parasites like New World screwworms and cattle fever ticks. This innovation is not only beneficial for livestock health but also serves as a testament to the strength and adaptability of Texas agriculture. As we look to the future, supporting local agricultural efforts and fostering innovation will be key to sustaining economic growth in the region.
Support your community by staying informed and engaging with local agricultural initiatives, ensuring that Texas remains a leader in the cattle industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Exzolt Cattle-CA1?
Exzolt Cattle-CA1 is a topical solution approved by the FDA for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations and the control of cattle fever ticks in beef cattle aged two months and older, as well as replacement dairy heifers under 20 months.
Why is the approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 significant?
The approval provides cattle producers with a new tool to combat harmful parasites, enhancing the health and productivity of livestock in Texas.
What are New World screwworms?
New World screwworms are larvae of the NWS fly, which lay eggs in open wounds or body openings of live animals. These eggs hatch into parasitic larvae that burrow into flesh, causing severe damage and potentially leading to death.
What are cattle fever ticks?
Cattle fever ticks are significant threats to the U.S. cattle industry. These ticks can transmit the protozoa Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, causing cattle fever, which leads to acute anemia, high fever, and can result in death for up to 90% of susceptible cattle.
Where are cattle fever ticks found?
Although cattle fever was eradicated from the U.S. by 1943, these ticks remain present in a permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border.
Key Features of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 Approval
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| FDA Approval | Conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 for prevention and treatment of New World screwworm and control of cattle fever ticks in specific cattle populations. |
| Target Species | Beef cattle aged two months and older, and replacement dairy heifers under 20 months. |
| Significance | Provides cattle producers with a new tool to combat harmful parasites, enhancing livestock health and productivity in Texas. |
| New World Screwworm | Larvae of the NWS fly that cause severe damage by burrowing into flesh, potentially leading to death. |
| Cattle Fever Ticks | Ticks that transmit protozoa causing cattle fever, leading to acute anemia, high fever, and potential death in susceptible cattle. |
| Quarantine Zone | Permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border where cattle fever ticks remain present. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FDA Grants Conditional Approval for New Livestock Treatment
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
