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Racing body advises against injectable Omeprazole
Samples of the injectable Omeprazole 100mg/ml (BOVA UK) were found to contain low levels of testosterone.

Product found to contain low levels of testosterone

Injectable Omeprazole should not be used in racehorses due to the presence of testosterone, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has advised.

BHA encouraged trainers to discuss alternative treatments with their veterinary surgeons.

Analytical laboratory LGC looked at a number of products containing Omeprazole. Samples of the injectable Omeprazole 100mg/ml (BOVA UK) were found to contain low levels of testosterone.

No oral preparations were found to contain testosterone or any other anabolic steroid.

BHA warned that the possession, use or attempted use of this product could amount to a breach of the Rules of Racing.

Presence of testosterone over the permitted threshold in a sample could result in a 14-month suspension from racing and a 12-month stand down from racing for the horse, as well as other penalties for the Responsible Person.

Trainers and other industry participants were advised to remove the product from all licensed premises and not to administer the product to a thoroughbred from birth until permanent retirement from racing. 

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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. 

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News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.