Mid-Atlantic Region Bans Bisphosphonates For Horses Under Four; HBPA Calls For National Ban

The entire Mid-Atlantic region — regulators, horsemen's organizations, breeders' organizations, racetrack operators and veterinarians– has joined together to mandate an immediate and strict prohibition on the use of bisphosphonates in all horses under the age of 4. The decision was made at the annual Mid-Atlantic Regulatory and Stakeholders meeting held at Delaware Park on March 21, 2019. The action followed a recommendation from the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (THA) Board of Directors on March 7, 2019 urging a regional and national ban. The Mid-Atlantic mandate is as follows: “The entire Mid-Atlantic region will impose, and strongly urges all Thoroughbred industry stakeholders and regulators to support, the enactment of an immediate prohibition on the use of bisphosphonates in all horses under the age of 4, unless and until the scientific and veterinary community determines that the use of such drugs does not compromise the health and welfare of the horse. The use of bisphosphonates in horses 4 years old and older should be limited to only those horses who have been diagnosed with navicular disease by a veterinarian and for whom the use of such drugs is warranted.”...MORE