ARF Drug Control Committee

The ARF Drug Control Committee (ARFDCC) is comprised of experts in racing chemistry and equine veterinary science from across the ARF membership. Among other things, the ARFDCC publishes, maintains and reviews the list of adopted Asian Screening Limits (ASLs) for controlling a group of common equine medications. Where necessary or possible, the ARFDCC establishes and publishes Detection Times (DTs) for the use of medications with adopted ASLs. The ARFDCC also liaises with other drug control groups (including the IFHA Advisory Council on Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices) to establish International Screening Limits (ISLs) and to facilitate the sharing of information both within and outside the ARF for the development of international consistency in medication control policies and practices.

The functions of the revamped ARF Drug Control Committee include the following:

• development/harmonisation of screening limits/residue limits/detection times/thresholds;
• development/harmonisation of policies etc. regarding sample collection/management/testing and     inter-laboratory testing programs;
• determine whether specified drugs should be included on prohibited substances lists;
• determine research priorities/promote joint approaches;
• promote information and intelligence sharing/liaison between labs and vets across ARF region;
• liaison with external bodies to enhance international harmonisation; and
• provide advice on policy, scientific and administrative matters regarding the rules of racing governing the control of prohibited substances and prohibited practices for improving the integrity of racing and welfare of horses.

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Asian Screening Limits (ASLs) and International Screening Limits (ISLs)

List of Asian Screening Limits (ASLs) and International Screening Limits (ISLs) in Plasma and Urine is accessible here.