SASKATOON, Sask. – 4-H members and livestock exhibitors may get a lecture on drugs in livestock along with their welcome-back speech this fall, says the executive director of the Regina-based Canadian Western Agribition.
“The executive met and confirmed if other shows send us names of exhibitors that have been banned, we will not accept entry from them,” said Wayne Gamble.
It’s all part of a North American plan to crack down on exhibitors, especially in youth shows, who use drugs to enhance their animals’ performance in the show rings.
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During the American Livestock Show and Rodeo Management Association annual convention in Regina this summer, members agreed to ban competitors caught using illegal drugs in one show from exhibiting in other competitions.
“The group agreed if any show found an exhibitor was cheating, and followed proper protocol, and a legitimate case existed, the exhibitor would be expelled from all other shows,” said Gamble.
The association also agreed to adopt a code of ethics to be implemented next year.
“The National Show Ring Code of Ethics will provide every North American livestock exhibitor an atmosphere of competitive spirit that promotes an educational experience, as well as honesty and integrity,” said Dan Gattis of the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo and ethics committee.
A steering committee of the 42-member association will be set up to review the code of implementation next year.
Drug residue found
The use of clenbuterol was the focus of the two-day meeting after two American teenagers had to forfeit their grand champion and reserve prize at the Western National Stock Show in Denver. Clenbuterol, a performance-enhancing drug, was detected in their winning animals’ eyeballs.
Officials also found similar incidents in Kentucky and Oklahoma. The cheaters were caught after two scientists in the USDA’s food safety and inspection service developed a test for the drug.
“We’re trying to point out all of this creates uncertainty in minds of consumers about the integrity of the food chain,” said Gamble.
Because of low prize money in Canada, officials at Agribition haven’t had to deal with cheaters, said Gamble. They have disciplined exhibitors who removed their cattle from the show early.
It costs $2,000 to $3,000 to buy and administer clenbuterol to get improved muscling. The cost may be justified in some American shows where winning animals can sell for $300,000.
“People at Agribition aren’t likely to spend $3,000 for doping if you’re only able to sell for $8,000 or $9,000.”
