GRNSW reminds participants to show extreme caution when using products that contain cobalt.
Since 1 October 2015, cobalt has been a prohibited substance under the Greyhound Racing Rules when it is present in a greyhound above the threshold of 100ng/ml.
It is currently identified as a category 4 prohibited substance under the GRNSW Penalty System with the starting point for the determination of penalty sitting at 24 weeks disqualification.
Despite the threshold being in place for more than a year, GRNSW continues to detect cobalt above the threshold in swabs.
Participants are urged to ensure that they follow all veterinary and manufacturer directions when using products that may contain cobalt. They should also observe at least the minimum withholding guidelines and exercise caution when using a combination of products containing cobalt.
Caution should also be used when administering any product containing cobalt close to race day.
The following tables provide a summary on the amount of cobalt administered to a 30kg greyhound when following the manufacturer’s maximum dosage. Both tables were produced by Greyhound Racing Victoria and GRV Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Steven Karamatic.
Click here for a table of oral products.
Click here for a table of injectable products (please note, under the Race Day Treatment rule Gar 83A, no injectable substance can be administered on race day).
Participants are advised that these tables are a guideline only and that they should seek their own veterinary advice whenever they intend to use products that may contain cobalt.
For further information about cobalt, see http://www.galtd.org.au/sites/default/files/forms-and-documents/Additional%20Warning%20-%20Cobalt%20use%20in%20greyhounds.pdf
In addition to cobalt being detected above the threshold, GRNSW also continues to detect human medications in greyhounds.
Participants are reminded to be vigilant about using such medication given they can stay on hair or skin and be excreted in sweat, saliva or urine.
To help avoid these medications entering a greyhound’s system, participants should follow good husbandry practices including using gloves to prepare the greyhound’s food, not allowing the greyhound to lick human skin and not storing medication within the kennels.
• This information is provided for general information purposes only. GRNSW makes no statement, representation or warranty about the accuracy or completeness of this information including in relation to the suitability of any products.
