Update on positive tests for theobromine

In the last few weeks, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) has issued Certificates of Positive Analysis for theobromine and its metabolites from horses racing at some Canadian jurisdictions.

Theobromine is commonly found in cacao beans and its byproducts left after processing. Numerous “positives” have been reported in other countries for theobromine, resulting from exposure of horses to small amounts of theobromine associated with cocoa pod husks in horse feeds.

To assist horsepersons and minimize the risk of a positive test for theobromine in their racehorse(s), the CPMA provides the following recommendations:

• Read product labels carefully to ensure that they do not contain cacao or cacao byproducts.
• Only feed horses supplements prescribed by a veterinarian and from reputable sources.
• Do not feed chocolate or cacao-based products.
• Do not let racehorses, their feed, supplements or equipment come into contact with food products containing chocolate.

If you have any questions, please contact the CPMA at 1-800-268-8835 or aafc.cpmawebacpm.aac@agr.gc.ca.

by Lisa Foss, for Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency