drug testing

Drug Testing

A Meeting of the UNC Drug Testing Committee was held on Monday 9th. March in the Hollyhill Club, Gateshead

Apologies for non attendance were received from Mr. M. Elliott and Mr. W. Cole

Meeting opened at 8.30pm. with Mr. F.A. McCluskey in the Chair.

A lengthy discussion took place and it was agreed that membership should be informed of the following:

No. 1. The first and second birds in each Combine Race will be tested for performance enhancing drugs. The Combine Secretary accompanied by the Federation Secretary/or deputy will take specimens using the RPRA sample kits as soon as possible following the race.

No. 2. The President received the following guidelines from DEFRA in relation to what products can be used in treating Racing Pigeons and also where (ie legally approved suppliers) these products can be legally purchased

In the UK there are a number of veterinary medicinal products that have been granted a marketing authorisation specifically for the treatment of pigeons and these can be sourced from veterinary surgeons, pharmacists and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) – all of whom must operate from premises which are registered. Further information on the prescription and supply of veterinary medicines can be found on the website of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), in Guidance Note VMGN 3 - http://www.vmd.gov.uk/General/VMR/vmgn/VMGNote03.pdf

There are other UK-authorised medicines that are not authorised for use in pigeons but which a veterinary surgeon may legally prescribe for a pigeon (using a legislative provision called the ‘cascade’) to avoid unacceptable suffering in the animal concerned. The cascade also allows a veterinary surgeon to import a veterinary medicine that is not authorised in the UK if necessary, but this must be done with the approval of the VMD (an agency of Defra) via an Import Certificate.

No. 3. If a member is in any doubt of a product he wishes to use and it cannot be found on the DEFRA website he should contact the UNC Office for clarification. Please supply the name of the medication and also the name of the supplier.

No. 4. Members are reminded that the use of La Sota Vaccine is not Licensed in the UK therefore it is illegal. The tests carried out will highlight use. Please ensure that UNC Bye-Law No. 31 Page 70 is adhered to at all times.



Meeting closed at 9.05pm.

good post ian