Equine Medicine: A Veterinary Guide to the Proper Use of Medicinal Products in Equines

Treatments and exclusion from human consumption, medications and doping, proper administration, disposal of medical waste, etc. These are just some of the practical topics covered in the brochure published by the French Horse and Riding Institute (IFCE) in partnership* with veterinarians, the racing industry, the Sfet, and the SHF. The partners’ goal is to highlight best practices for the use of veterinary medicinal products in equines and to provide an overview of current regulations. A webinar on veterinary pharmacy regulations was also held on June 7.   The purchase and use of veterinary medicinal products for equines are subject to specific regulations designed to protect not only animal health but also public health. This is because horses have a unique status: while they may be considered leisure or sport animals by their owners, they are also classified as Livestock under the regulations and may be intended for the meat industry. Compliance with regulations regarding the veterinary pharmacy is also part of the responsible use of antibiotics to preserve their effectiveness in both humans and animals. The development of antibiotic resistance remains a major concern for both human health and animal health, as it limits treatment options in the event of infection. For all these reasons, the brochure provided by the IFCE serves to remind horse owners and keepers of best practices regarding the prescription, dispensing, administration, and storage of veterinary medicinal products intended for equines, not to mention the fight against doping and antimicrobial resistance, as well as the management of medical waste. In addition, the June 7 webinar (“Veterinary Drugs: What Are the Rules?”) provided a better understanding of the regulations governing veterinary drugs and clarified the rules for prescription and dispensing by veterinarians: under what circumstances can a veterinarian prescribe a veterinary medicinal product? What veterinary medicinal products can they prescribe?, etc. * IFCE partners for the brochure “How to Properly Use Veterinary Medicinal Products in Equines: A Reminder for Veterinarians”: Equine Pathology Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RESPE), National Society of Veterinary Technical Groups (SNGTV), French Equine Veterinary Association (AVEF), Le Trot, France Galop, National Horse Racing Federation (FNCH), Federation of Gallop Breeders (FEG), French Society for Working Equines (SFET), French Equestrian Society (SHF). Guide: click here https://youtu.be/28tVuRTHeLU