Trace levels of anabolic steroids found in some products
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is making vets and trainers aware of an international issue regarding products that contain altrenogest.
Trace levels of the anabolic steroids trenbolone and/or trendione have been detected in products containing altrenogest, which is commonly referred to by its trade name, Regumate.
Racing Victoria (Australia) has advised trainers to immediately cease using such products and further investigations are now underway.
In the UK, one such product is licensed for use in horses - Regumate Equine 2.2mg/ml Oral Solution for Horses (MSD Animal Health).
After discussions with the European manufacturer, BHA said it can confirm that the product distributed in the UK is reportedly sourced from a separate location to the products that are currently under investigation.
However, in light of the international situation, BHA is strongly advising trainers to be cautious if using altrenogest in racing thoroughbreds.
The BHA published Detection Time for altrenogest is 288 hours (15 days). In contrast, a 24-hour withdrawal from racing is recommended in Australia for mares and fillies receiving oral altrenogest.
BHA is carrying out further work to understand the implications of this issue in Europe.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
