The FEI has announced the introduction of an ID card and online exam for veterinarians working at FEI events focusing on the FEI Veterinary and Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations.
 
The new system, which comes into effect on 1 June 2012, requires Competitors’ Private Veterinarians, Team Veterinarians and Treating Veterinarians appointed by Organising Committees to pass the online exam based on the relevant FEI regulations affecting vets who support horses competing at FEI events.
 
Veterinarians wishing to work at FEI events must apply for access to the exam through their National Federation and fulfil the FEI eligibility requirements.
 
Successful candidates should then download their “FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian” ID card and obtain accreditation from Organising Committees for stable and treatment areas.
 
Existing FEI Official Veterinarians (including Veterinary Delegates, Testing Veterinarians and Head Treatment Vets) are currently exempt from the examination requirement, providing they download their “FEI Official Veterinarian” ID cards before 31 December 2012. The FEI Official Veterinarian ID card will allow these veterinarians to work either as an FEI Official Veterinarian or as a Permitted Treating Veterinarian at an event.
 
The ID cards must be produced if requested by Stewards and other FEI Officials. The cards have an advanced “QR” (quick-response) bar code allowing easy public access to professional profiles on the FEI’s dedicated new database.
 
The exam and ID card are free of charge and relevant documents are available online for reference to encourage understanding of the key FEI Veterinary Regulations, Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and General Regulations.
 
“The FEI is continuing to harness the latest technology in its Clean Sport campaign,” explained Graeme Cooke, FEI Veterinary Director. “This initiative follows the launch of several online tools to help everyone associated with horse sport manage their responsibilities under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping Rules.”
 
“The introduction of this exam and ID card for veterinarians working at FEI events has been well received during the initial testing phase and is designed to strengthen our very clear approach to anti-doping and biosecurity at FEI Events.
 
“The new exam will ensure a consistent level of understanding and interpretation of our current regulations, wider knowledge of Clean Sport and help us to maintain the longstanding FEI Welfare Code.
 
“The simple process has been designed with busy practicing vets in mind, for instance candidates can save their progress and complete the exam later should they be interrupted.
 
“The introduction of ID cards with QR codes also allows FEI Officials to efficiently check the identity of veterinarians at our events using iPhone, BlackBerry or Android smartphones.”
 
Editors Notes
 
There are two types of veterinarians working at FEI events:
Permitted Treating Veterinarians and FEI Official Veterinarians.
 
The FEI Veterinary and Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations, along with various other resources are available at the FEI Clean Sport website; additionally the General Regulations are available here.