Deaths of 21 Polo Horses Blamed On Pharmacy Error

Chrissie Cole

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Twenty-one of 26 Venezuelan polo horses collapsed and died shortly after being injected with a compound similar to Biodyl, - a French-made supplement consisting of vitamins and minerals, that is not approved in the U.S.

On an order from a veterinarian, Frank’s Pharmacy, located in Ocala, FL, prepared medication that was used to treat the 21 horses on the Lechuza Polo team, said Jennifer Beckett chief operating officer of Frank’s Pharmacy.

“Upon hearing the tragic news, the pharmacy launched an internal investigation and found "the strength of an ingredient in the medication was incorrect.”

Beckett said the pharmacy is cooperating with by state authorities and the FDA as the investigation continues.

According to the AP, the United States Polo Association plans to examine its current safeguards regarding polo horses.

Peter Rizzo, executive director of the Polo Association, in a statement, said that during the association's semiannual meeting Saturday, the USPA Board of Governors approved the establishment of a review committee to examine the practices and policies of other equestrian organizations "as well as examine existing protections for horses and possible improvements including the establishment of a prohibited substance policy." #