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BHA clarifies use of levothyroxine sodium
Racehorses
Levothyroxine sodium must not be present in the horses system on raceday.
Horse must show evidence of equine metabolic syndrome or hypothyroidism

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has issued a notice clarifying whether, when and how levothyroxine sodium may be administered under the BHA Rules of Racing.

Levothyroxine sodium is a prohibited substance and therefore must not be present in the horses system on raceday. It is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone, thyroxine, that is made and released by the thyroid gland.

The BHA's rule on the use of veterinary treatment and medication states that “every treatment must be fully justifiable by the medical condition of the horse receiving the treatment”.

For the administration of the hormone to be justified, the organisation say that the horse must have undergone dynamic endocrine tests, which show good evidence of either equine metabolic syndrome or hypothyroidism.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.