On January 16, 2012, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) announced that official samples will be tested for ethanol, effective February 13, 2012.
Ethanol, a central nervous system depressant, is widely available in many forms. The
CPMA is advising industry participants to take care and to read the label of ingredients when choosing products that are administered to horses.
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has noted this very same advice in previous Notices to the Industry.The ORC believes it is the responsibility of Ontario licensees to pay close attention to and closely review all memos from the CPMA. This includes keeping up to date on the CPMA Schedule of Prohibited Drugs.
A copy of the CPMA Memorandum is below:
Memorandum to: The Canadian Horse Racing Industry and Provincial Regulatory Bodies
Subject: Advance Notification – Ethanol Testing
As part of the CMPA’s ongoing research program we examine many products for metabolism and elimination profiles in the horse with the aim of improving detection and confirmation of schedule of drugs.
As a result of recent research, analytical methods have been improved such that confirmable levels of ethanol and/or its metabolites can now be identified in official samples. CPMA evaluates all of the information available and makes decisions related to advance notification of changes on a case by case basis.
Ethanol, a central nervous system depressant is widely available in many forms and is found in numerous products including but not limited to beverages, topical disinfectants, tinctures, homeopathic remedies, topical liniments and leg rubs. Inappropriate use of ethanol may result in psychoactive and other effects. Typically it can be absorbed after oral, intravenous and topical administration.
This notice is to remind industry participants to take care and to read the label of ingredients when choosing products that are administered to horses.
As of February 13, 2012, official samples will be tested for ethanol, and any confirmed detection will be called positive according to Section 165 of the Regulations.
If you have any questions please contact Dr. Mike Weber or Dr. Adam Chambers, CPMA Veterinary Services at 905-648-3033 or Lydia Brooks at 613-949-0745.
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