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FEI announces final decision in banned substance case
Horse racing
During the FEI tribunal, Dr Kamaal admitted that he had administered Fustex, a product that contains Propxyphene.
Staff member administered product containing Propoxyphene

A two-year suspension has been imposed on Dr Pasha Syed Kamaal after a banned substance was detected at a UAE event, the FEI has confirmed.

Dr Kamaal was identified as a member of support staff in a 2012 equine anti-doping case which involved a horse ridden by HH Sheik Hazza.

Samples taken from the horse returned positive for the banned substance Propoxyphene, an opioid analgesic, and its metabolite Norpropoxyphene.

In addition to a two-year suspension, Dr Kamaal has also received a fine of CHF 2,500 and costs of CHF 1,000.

Previously, the FEI imposed a 27-month suspension on HH Sheikh Hazza as the person responsible, but this was reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

During the FEI tribunal, Dr Kamaal admitted that he had administered Fustex, an Argentinian product, to the horse the night before the event.

Used to promote muscle growth, Fustex contains Propoxyphene but it is not yet listed as an ingredient.

The FEI has since issued a statement to stakeholders urging caution over the use of Fustex. They warn that lack of knowledge is no valid excuse in any anti-doping procedures. 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.