Horses as food-producing animals

In the European Union, horses are considered food-producing animals, therefore any medication administered to horses must comply with the MRL requirements. However, horses are widely used for recreational activities and sports, and may require treatment with substances not included in the MRL list. To permit the treatment of these horses, exceptions applicable to horses have been prescribed.

If a horse is not intended for human consumption, this will be indicated in the horse passport. This permits the use of almost all active substances in the treatment of horses. If a withdrawal period of six months is observed prior to slaughter, the substances listed in the Commission regulation on equine medications (see link below) may be used. This requires that the medication is recorded in the horse passport.

Ask more:

• Kivilahti-Mäntylä Katariina, Veterinary Officer (Fimea, Marketing authorisations, Veterinary Medicines Unit), tel. +358 29 522 3354, [email protected]