The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) advises that it is the responsibility of licensees – and particularly owners of Ontario racehorses – to keep up to date on various federal regulatory matters that impact racing and racehorses
. Owners and trainers are encouraged to watch for updates on a regular basis.
Here is a review of some recent federal agency announcements and web pages that can be bookmarked for future reference.
Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA)
The CPMA publishes the Schedule of Prohibited Drugs. From time to time, new prohibited drugs are added to this list. The schedule can be viewed by following the links on the CPMA home page.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
New Food Safety Regulations for Horses in Effect for July 31, 2010
Earlier this year, the CFIA announced the implementation of a new Meat Hygiene Directive concerning all equines (domestic and imported) intended for processing at federally-inspected meat processing plants. As of July 31st, meat processing facilities will be allowed to process only those equines with complete health records (e.g. vaccines, medications given, any occurrence of illness) dating back six months. The original announcement can be viewed here.
To see all Information Bulletins from the CFIA, click here.
Import Restrictions for Horses – from Arizona and New Mexico
Due to the reported finding of horses infected with vesicular stomatitis in Arizona, and an outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in New Mexico, the CFIA has imposed import restrictions for horses from these states. Current import requirements for entering Canada may be found using the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) by clicking here.
Health Canada
Recall of Veterinary Drug Longisil
Health Canada is advising veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that Vetoquinol N.-A has voluntarily expanded the December 2009 recall of the prescription veterinary drug Longisol. To view this advisory, click here.
To view all Health Canada advisories, click here.
Programs and efforts to protect the health, welfare and treatment of the racehorse are of paramount concern to the ORC and members of the racing community. This concern includes the responsibility of licensees to keep current and manage relevant information concerning the protection of the horse.
(ORC)