The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) had its annual combined meetings of the Medication Control Panel (MCP) Testing Veterinarians, the Medication Sub-Committee, and the Veterinary Committee in Helsinki, Finland, Feb. 3-6. Orion Animal Health sponsored the meetings.

A debriefing session for testing veterinarians focused on the appointment of a new central laboratory for the next four years, beginning in July. The Director of the new laboratory, Dr. Y. Bonnaire of France discussed a possible change to drug testing kits, and discussed some of the more challenging substances to detect. Testing veterinarian Dr. P. Kallings of Sweden gave a presentation on the hazards of contamination of the horses’ environment by prohibited substances. Dr. Lengel of the American Horse Shows Association provided useful advice from North America in relation to drug testing and the policy on medication. (https://thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=2760).

In a combined session with the Medication Sub-Committee there was concern about lower number of positive test results reported from countries outside the MCP area. Plans were presented to improve the standard and quality control of these FEI-listed laboratories. Finally, there was discussion on medication for gastric ulcers in the performance horse and excessive estrus symptoms in mares.

MCP Testing in the FEI: https://www.horsesport.org/fei/consult/consult_03/con_03_02