The The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has issued the following memo to horse owners:
The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) would like to let horsepersons in Canada know that although glaucine continues to be classified as a prohibited substance under the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations, the CPMA has take steps to differentiate glaucine abuse from environmental exposure.
Glaucine is a natural substance produced by several species of plants, including the tulip poplar tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which is native to eastern North American. While glaucine has also been recognized as a cough suppressant and an anti-inflammatory that is a weak painkiller, it is not approved for use by Health Canada in humans or animals. Glaucine is prohibited by many horse racing jurisdictions, including by the CPMA, because it is not an approved medication and because of its potential for abuse.
Subsequent to positive tests for glaucine in the United States that were later links to environmental exposure, horsepersons have expressed concern that a similar situation could arise in Canada. In order to prevent this type of situation, the CPMA has adjusted its testing protocols for glaucine.
There are steps, however, that horsepersons can take to reduce or eliminate their horse’s environmental exposure to glaucine. The CPMA recommends working with suppliers of wood shavings to ensure that material is not sourced from tulip poplar trees or other glaucine-producing plants. In addition, do not administer any products to your horse that may contain glaucine.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact CPMA at cpmawebacpm@agr.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-268-8835.
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