Two Rivers Dog Mushers Association (TRDMA) has decided not to help organize and integrate the IFSS WCh Long Distance race, because they do not agree with IFSS Anti-Doping rules. Even though it is disappointing that there won’t be a WCh LD, IFSS respects TRDMA’s decision. Despite the diligent efforts of IFSS VP Sport Helen Lundberg and a positive attitude from therace committee to address TRDMA concerns well in advance of the March 2013 proposed WCh LD race dates TRDMA decided to dissociate themselves from the IFSS WCh. Anti-Doping is a requirement for all international sports of this caliber. The high standards required to participate in the IFSS WCh concerns both humans and dogs. For dogs it does not just concern performance enhancing but equally important is the dog care and animal welfare. The views on medications and animal welfare differ over the world. With the encouragementand support of IFSS, the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA) at their yearly conference, held just last weekend, agreed to take an active role in reviewing and modifying the sled dog rules that will support internationally acceptable regulations. The role ofISDVMA in the Anti-Doping rules is now being discussed.President Bengt Pontén – bpo@du.se
