Social Science
A comparative survey of veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers regarding the knowledge and implementation of legal requirements in Germany for the use and documentation of veterinary medicines in equines intended for slaughter.
Shary Tamara Schneider,
Shary Tamara Schneider
Institute for Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Working Group Meat Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Diana Meemken,
Diana Meemken
Institute for Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Working Group Meat Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Heidrun Gehlen,
Heidrun Gehlen
Division for Internal Medicine, Equine Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Roswitha Merle,
Roswitha Merle
Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Nina Langkabel
Nina Langkabel
Institute for Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Working Group Meat Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
In Europe, equines destined for human consumption (hereafter called slaughter equines) are subject to the same restrictions of usage of veterinary drugs as other food-producing animals, with amendments regulated in the so-called 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006. Due to the complex legal requirements for drug administration in slaughter equines, it might be that specific knowledge regarding the legislation of slaughter equines may be insufficient among veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers. To study this assumption, three target group-specific surveys were conducted in 2021. Answers from 153 equine treating veterinarians, 170 equine owners, and 70 equine keepers were included in the analysis. In total 68.4% (91/133) of the participating veterinarians, the regulations of the 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006, were 'rather complicated' to 'complicated'. Among the participating veterinarians, 38.4% (58/151) did not or could not answer correctly how to proceed if a slaughter equine is scheduled to receive phenylbutazone, usage of which is prohibited in all livestock by Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010. Simultaneously, 56.2% (86/153) of the participating veterinarians named phenylbutazone as the, or one of the, most often used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Altogether, 41.2% (70/170) of participating equine owners and 42.9% (30/70) of equine keepers did not know under which circumstances an equine can legally be slaughtered for human consumption. In total, 34.3% (24/70) of the equine keepers classified their knowledge of national regulations for animal keepers regarding the documentation of drug usage in equines as 'poor' to 'nonexistent'. This lack of knowledge in all three surveyed groups, combined with the complex legal regulations regarding the usage and documentation of drugs in slaughter equines, could result in missing and false documentation, treatment of slaughter equines with prohibited substances and therefore pose a risk factor for drug residues in equine meat.
Key Questions
What are the rules for using veterinary drugs in slaughter equines in Europe?
In Europe, slaughter equines (horses destined for human consumption) are subject to strict regulations under the 'positive list' (Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006). These rules restrict the use of certain drugs, like phenylbutazone, which is prohibited in all food-producing animals.
Why is phenylbutazone banned for slaughter equines?
Phenylbutazone is banned because it poses a risk of harmful drug residues in meat. Despite this, 56.2% of veterinarians surveyed said it is one of the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs, highlighting a potential compliance issue.
Do veterinarians understand the regulations for slaughter equines?
The study found that 68.4% of veterinarians consider the regulations 'rather complicated' to 'complicated,' and 38.4% were unsure how to proceed if a slaughter equine needed phenylbutazone. This suggests a significant knowledge gap among professionals.
What do equine owners and keepers know about slaughter regulations?
Many equine owners (41.2%) and keepers (42.9%) were unaware of the legal requirements for slaughtering equines for human consumption. Additionally, 34.3% of keepers rated their knowledge of drug documentation rules as 'poor' to 'nonexistent.'
What are the risks of non-compliance with drug regulations?
Non-compliance, such as using prohibited drugs or failing to document treatments, can lead to drug residues in equine meat. This poses health risks to consumers and undermines food safety standards.
How can knowledge gaps about slaughter equine regulations be addressed?
Improving education and training for veterinarians, owners, and keepers is essential. Clearer guidelines and simplified documentation processes could also help ensure compliance with complex regulations.
What is the 'positive list' for veterinary drugs?
The 'positive list' (Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006) specifies which veterinary drugs are approved for use in food-producing animals, including slaughter equines. It aims to ensure food safety by restricting harmful substances.
Why is proper documentation important for slaughter equines?
Proper documentation ensures that equines treated with veterinary drugs are not slaughtered for human consumption until drug residues have cleared. Missing or incorrect documentation increases the risk of unsafe meat entering the food supply.
What percentage of veterinarians struggle with slaughter equine regulations?
68.4% of veterinarians surveyed found the regulations 'rather complicated' to 'complicated,' and 38.4% were unsure how to handle cases involving prohibited drugs like phenylbutazone.
How can food safety risks from slaughter equines be reduced?
Reducing risks requires better education on regulations, stricter enforcement of drug usage rules, and improved documentation practices. Collaboration between veterinarians, owners, and regulators is key to ensuring compliance.
