Drugs and Medications

A public-comment period on potential changes to rules in New York allowing for the raceday administration of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide was set to close this past Monday after supporters and opponents had already submitted a substantial amount of commentary, according to an official with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

The trusted WEST NILE INNOVATOR® West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine has moved to the Pfizer Animal Health brand with an updated package and label. Brought on with the acquisition of Wyeth and Fort Dodge Animal Health in 2009, WEST NILE INNOVATOR is now manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health.

The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today announced the launch of an advocacy website, cleanhorseracing.org, that is dedicated to the reform of medication rules in horse races.

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

Forty years ago, Don McLean was singing “Bye, Bye Miss American Pie” on the radio, gas was 55 cents a gallon, just 52 percent of American households had color television sets, and rotational deworming of horses was considered the best and most efficient treatment for equine parasites. Not anymore.

Horse owners should be aware that both state and federal laws apply to prescribed medications used in horses. According to state and federal laws, expired medications cannot be used or donated. Once a drug is outdated, it is considered adulterated and must be disposed of properly.

Horses that are on the drug pergolide to manage equine Cushing’s disease are now banned from competing in all disciplines that are subject to British anti-doping rules in competitions.

According to a new Pfizer Animal Health website, a worm control strategy that considers all the factors involved is a better way to maintain the health of your horse. This useful website counsels horse owners to manage the worm burden in each individual horse with the following strategy:

The Pfizer Animal Health Equine Immunization Support Guarantee (ISG) in essence, means that if a horse which has been properly vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with one of Pfizer's qualified vaccines contracts covering the disease for which it was vaccinated against, Pfizer Animal Health will reimburse horse owners for up to $5,000 in diagnostic and treatment costs.

National anti-doping rules for all equestrian disciplines have been introduced in Ireland for the first time and became effective on April, 1, 2012. The new rules were passed unanimously at a board meeting of Horse Sport Ireland. Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said that the passing of the rules was a seminal moment for the equestrian sector.

A proposal to ban an anti-bleeding drug on race days in Kentucky lost on Monday, April 16, in a debate dividing a thoroughbred industry struggling to preserve the Bluegrass state’s reputation as the nation’s horse capital.