Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted conditional approval for a new drug, EXZOLT CATTLE-CA1, to combat the New World Screwworm, which poses a significant threat to cattle herds in both the U.S. and Mexico [2][3]. Group 1: Drug Approval and Usage - The FDA's approval allows farmers to access the Merck drug starting December 20 through their veterinarians [2]. - The drug is intended for the prevention and treatment of New World Screwworm and can also control cattle fever ticks [2]. - The approval process involved extensive data generation due to human food safety considerations, indicating the drug's importance in the livestock industry [3]. Group 2: Impact on Cattle Industry - The presence of screwworm has led to the U.S. halting imports of Mexican cattle, highlighting the urgency of addressing this parasite [1]. - Merck's vice president noted that while the drug is a significant step, experts believe that eradicating the screwworm will take multiple years, indicating a long-term challenge for the cattle industry [4]. - The FDA has implemented a 98-day withholding period for the drug to ensure no residue remains in meat, reflecting the industry's focus on food safety [3].