Following sustained advocacy by FVE and Feeva, the European Commission has added midazolam, sevoflurane and ketoconazole to the EU list of substances that can be used in horses under the provisions for essential substances and substances providing added clinical benefit. The change, set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1810, is an important outcome for equine medicine, helping ensure veterinarians have access to medicines essential for appropriate treatment and anaesthesia.
Additions and removals
The three substances have been added to the list established under Regulation (EU) 2025/901. At the same time, digoxin, dorzolamide, griseofulvin, imipramine, phenytoin and ticarcillin have been removed from the previous Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006.
Several substances previously covered by the old legislation – including tiletamine, zolazepam, polymyxin B and rifampicin – are not included in the new list. However, transitional arrangements allow their continued use under the previous legislation until 21 May 2027, unless further amendments are adopted.
The profession to continue advocacy
‘This is excellent news for equine practitioners,’ noted Volker Moser, UEVP President. ‘Having access to essential medicines is not a luxury – it is a prerequisite for equine welfare: safe anaesthesia and effective treatment.’ FVE will continue to advocate for a regulatory framework that gives veterinarians access to the medicines they need to deliver high-quality equine care while safeguarding animal and public health.
(photo ©Wolfgang Claussen/Pixabay)