Verification of documentation plausibility in equine passports-drug documentation for geldings in comparison to self-reported veterinarian drug usage for equine castrations in Germany

Summary: Equine veterinarians, owners, and keepers in Europe may have insufficient knowledge about the legal regulations and usage of drugs in slaughter equines, which could lead to missing and false documentation, as well as the risk of drug residues in equine meat. Surveys conducted in 2021 revealed that a significant percentage of participating veterinarians found the regulations regarding slaughter equines to be complicated, and many were unsure about the correct procedures for administering prohibited drugs. Similarly, a substantial number of equine owners and keepers were unaware of the circumstances under which equines can be legally slaughtered for human consumption.