Clean sport for horses - Atypical Findings

Following requests from National Federations for the equine anti-doping system to be more flexible when contamination is suspected, as of 1 January 2021 the FEI has expanded the concept of Atypical Findings (ATF) in the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations. 

Atypical Findings occur when the laboratory provides the results of their testing of a Sample to the FEI and more investigation/review is needed before it can be treated as an Adverse Analytical Finding (“AAF” i.e. a positive case).

ATFs will be dealt with according to a specific ATF policy , which was approved by the FEI Board in October 2020. Decisions on ATFs will be taken by an ATF Panel composed of an Independent Chair, the FEI Veterinary Director, the FEI Legal Director, and the Chair of the FEI List Group.

The Prohibited Substances that are treated as Atypical Findings as of 1 January 2021 are as follows:

•    Any substance identified as a “Specified Substance” on the FEI Equine Prohibited Substance List
•    Endogenous substances
•    Ractopamine
•    Zilpaterol 
•    Diisopropylamine (as of 1 January 2023)

In practice this allows the FEI to carry out a review/investigation before they are reported as a real positive (Adverse Analytical Finding) and before any proceedings are officially commenced.

If the ATF Panel decides not to pursue the ATF as an AAF, no further action is necessary and no case will be opened against the Person Responsible.

If the ATF Panel does decide to bring the ATF forward as an AAF, the procedure shall follow the provisions of Clauses 7.1.4 of the EADCMR (regarding notification).