The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has confiscated more than 13,000 unauthorised horse medications sold illegally online. These medicines, marketed by Abler and including AbPrazole and Absucralfate products, were intended for distribution across the UK.
Key Details of the Seizure
In October and November 2024, VMD enforcement officers, in collaboration with Border Force, intercepted multiple shipments of these products. The government agency acted on intelligence revealing their illegal sale and importation through an equine Facebook group and Abler’s official website (abler.com).
The seized products contained two active substances:
- Omeprazole (AbPrazole): Used for treating and preventing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).
- Sucralfate (Absucralfate): Used to treat Equine Glandular Gastric Ulcer Disease (EGGUD), pyloric ulcers, and Equine Squamous Gastric Ulcer Disease (ESGUD).
The operation was conducted under Regulation 25 (1) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) 2013 (as amended), which prohibits the importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products.
A Reminder from the VMD
The VMD issued an important reminder for horse owners and equine veterinarians:
- Advertising unauthorised products online is illegal.
- Importing unauthorised veterinary medicines into the UK is an offence.
- Administering such medicines to horses is prohibited and may invalidate insurance.
- The safety of unauthorised medicines is uncertain, as their ingredients may be unknown, posing risks to animals.
- Veterinary medicines should only be purchased from VMD-registered online retailers.
How to Report Suspected Breaches
The VMD encourages the public, horse owners, and vets to report suspected breaches of veterinary medicine regulations through an anonymous online reporting form or via their hotline at 01932 338 338.
Safeguarding Animal Welfare
The VMD is committed to protecting public health, animal health, and the environment. Information received from reports is carefully analysed and may be shared with enforcement partners to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines while promoting animal welfare.
For more details, visit the VMD website or consult your equine vet for authorised veterinary medicine advice.
