Meeting of the FEI Medication Sub-Committee

Source :  FEI

A meeting of the FEI Medication sub-Committee took place on November
15th at LAB, the central laboratory for the MCP programme. Items of
interest included:

Herbal medication: The recent positive test results for valerian were
discussed and it was agreed that warnings would be issued via the
Bulletin and FEI website, to warn riders for the use of herbal products
containing valerian. An explanatory brochure on testing issues will be
included in all FEI passports at short notice. The brochure explains the
procedure of testing in a user-friendly way and give recommendations to
riders with regard to stable management and treatment of competition
horses. Research Consortium: The recently initiated research group would
be starting research on four products very soon; the aim was to study
the excretion times for these substances. WEG 2002: The testing results
of the WEG were reviewed. A total of 54 horses had been tested, with
only 1 positive test result (valerian). EU matters: The recent EU
decisions on the use of medication in horses were discussed. Since the
EU labels horses as animals involved in the human food chain, many
products are officially not permitted in treatment of horses, which has
led to great concern in EU veterinary organisations.