Following the FEI statement in October 2018 concerning the use of altrenogest, we request veterinarians to continue giving careful consideration to the use of products containing altrenogest.

The use of certain preparations of altrenogest have been linked to positive anti-doping tests for the anabolic agents trendione and trembolone. We can confirm that it is still permissible to use altrenogest however we very strongly recommend that only licensed, oral products are used at the manufacturer’s recommended dose.

Bisphosphonates
With respect to changes to the Equine Prohibited Substances List, as of 1 January 2019, unlicensed bisphosphonates (i.e. Pamidronate, Neridronate, Olpadronate, Alendronate, Ibandronate, Risedronate, Zoledronate) will be listed as Banned Substances and tiludronic acid and clodronic acid will remain listed as Controlled Medication.

In recent weeks the FEI has received concerns from the equestrian community about the potential for horses testing positive in 2019 resulting from use of these substances during 2018. As a consequence of these concerns, the FEI has decided to maintain the listing of Pamidronate, Neridronate, Olpadronate, Alendronate, Ibandronate, Risedronate, Zoledronate as Banned Substance during 2019 however these substances will not become prohibited until 1 January 2020. The delay in implementation will therefore allow adequate clearance time of the drug from the horse’s body, following use of these substances during 2018.

Further to this decision, a study will commence in January 2019 concerning the use of these substances in clinical cases of non-FEI horses. The aim of the study is to determine substance elimination times and the lowest concentrations of these substances that could result in a positive test.