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Phenylbutazone Use In Horses - Advice For Veterinarians

Further to the Advice in the March 2004 "AgVetLink" Veterinary edition on banned substances. 

Phenylbutazone is listed as a restricted substance as a result of the European Union (EU) ban on its use in food producing animals imposed some time ago.  The ACVM Group is required to manage risks to trade in primary produce (as per the ACVM Act) however take advice from other parts of NZFSA with respect to how substances banned by our major trading markets must be managed.

The issue of the use of such products in horses is very much related to the definition of horses as food producing animals.  However, it is clear that a large number of horses in New Zealand will never be entered into the food chain and will remain companion/sport horses until their destruction.  Indications received by the ACVM Group is that despite there being a number of alternative anti-inflammatory products available for use in horses, phenylbutazone remains a drug of preference for many.  The option however remains for any individual veterinarian to NOT prescribe phenylbutazone.

In the interim, the ACVM Group is advising vets that the “Federation of Veterinarians of Europe” (FVE) proposal is likely to be an acceptable solution.  Indications received from the EU are that veterinarians there are using this advice already.

The ACVM group position is that provided horses are not intended to be food producing animals, phenylbutazone may be used to treat them (as per the FVE proposal).  Veterinarians are still expected to advise animal owners of the EU ban if there is a reasonable likelihood of the animal/s entering the food chain

The ACVM Group is not yet aware that the EU has reached any firm conclusions on the FVE proposal.  As advised at the recent roadshows for veterinarians, we will advise as soon as there is formal word on any changes to the ban.

June 2004