The pharmacy involved in the investigation into the recent death of 21 polo ponies in Wellington, Fla., has released a statement verifying that selenium was the excess ingredient in the medication prepared for the ponies.

Florida State Veterinarian Thomas J. Holt, DVM, reported yesterday that the animals had “significantly increased selenium levels” in samples tested.  

“As we said last week, the strength of an ingredient in a medication Franck’s Pharmacy prepared for the 21 horses on the Lechuza Polo team was incorrect. In light of (the April 28) statement from Florida State Veterinarian Thomas J. Holt, we can confirm that the ingredient was selenium,” said Jennifer Beckett, chief operations officer at Franck’s Pharmacy of Ocala, Fla. “We continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as their investigations proceed.

“Because of the ongoing investigations, we cannot discuss further details about this matter at this time,” she stated