As drug-testing laboratories have begun to use enhanced testing procedures to detect the prohibited drug clenbuterol, horses in three states have tested positive for the bronchodilator. The three states in which the positive tests have been found are New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Used to aid horses with breathing problems, clenbuterol was banned for any use in the United States until May 11 of this year, when the Food and Drug Administration approved clenbuterol for use in horses through the product Ventipulmin syrup. Previously, clenbuterol was legal in Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Although it has been approved for use in horses by the FDA, clenbuterol is still considered a Class 3 drug and is prohibited for use in horses on race day. Horses testing positive for the drug face regulatory sanctions, including the forfeiture of any purses earned, and the horse’s trainer faces disciplinary action.

In addition to the states where Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds have tested positive for clenbuterol, there are unconfirmed reports that tests in other states have also shown horses with the drug in their systems