balt will only be penalised when present on a race day . However , other unscheduled preparations ( for e . g . Aspirin , which is available without prescription ), must be entered into the VTR by the Trainer when administered . Beware of utilising any “ Over the Counter ” medication without consulting your vet regarding its composition and possible “ prohibited substances ” present in the formulation .
Dr D . P . Wheeler Senior Veterinarian 24 August 2016
NOTICE TO ALL TRAINERS International Screening and Residue Limits and Asian Screening Limits The NHA hereby advises it has adopted International Federation of Horseracing Authorities ( IFHA ) International Screening Limits ( ISLs ) to be applied in the control of therapeutic prohibited substances and also IFHA Residue Limits to control certain contaminants and environmental substances . In addition to this the NHA , as a signatory country of the Asian Racing Federation , has adopted several Asian Screening Limits ( ASLs ) for therapeutic prohibited substances . Details of these screening limits can be found in the section “ International Screening Limits ” in the “ Laboratory ” section of the website .
Dr S . S . de Kock Laboratory Director 25 August 2016
NOTICE TO ALL TRAINERS THE USE OF ASPIRIN ( ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID ) IN THE RACEHORSE Salicylic acid is a substance found in the normal feed of horses such as lucern and hay . During previous years large populations of racehorses from all over the world were screened for natural levels of salicylic acid which is ingested in such feeds . Considering the possible diets of horses and worst case scenarios , a single salicylic prosecution threshold was decided on an international basis . This International Federation of Horseracing Authorities ( IFHA ) threshold has been established with an extremely high probability that untreated horses on a variety of feeds will present levels far below this salicylic acid threshold . The NHA has formally adopted this threshold : “ Salicylic acid …… 6.5 micrograms salicylic acid per millilitre in plasma ” as shown on the website . A specimens is only declared a positive finding when the concentration of salicylic acid is accurately confirmed ( full quantitative analysis is conducted as part of such a positive finding ) to exceed this threshold , in accordance to Rule 73.4.4 . It is know that Aspirin can be added to the feed of horses to acts as an analgesic and antiinflammatory substance . Acetyl salicylic acid ( Aspirin ) is however a pro-drug of salicylic acid , implying that Aspirin will be converted to salicylic acid within the horse . As Aspirin it is not a scheduled substance ( in contrast to most analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances ) it can be readily obtained by all . The administration of Aspirin to the racehorse must be recorded in the Veterinary Treatment Register of the horse . The use of Aspirin too close to race day is likely to result in salicylic acid prosecution . Be aware that guidance of the use of Aspirin products in the horse Home About the NHA Racing Studbook Laboratory Veterinary & Welfare Ownership & Registration Statistics Contacts http :// www . nhra . co . za / notices . php 2017 / 01 / 17 , 2749 PM Page 1 of 5 differ between different manufacturers . Following the administration of a single dose of Aspirin a detection period of a two days applies ( this is not a withdrawal time ). Consult your veterinarian in regards to a suitable withdrawal period . The NHA does not assume any legal , professional or other responsibility or duty whatsoever as to the accuracy of the data presented in this document . Please note that reliance on and use of the above information does not absolve or diminish a trainer or owner from being responsible for ensuring that the horse complies with the rules relating to the presence of drugs and prohibited substances when presenting a horse for a race .
10 • Equine Health Update •