Greyhound Racing New Zealand has recently had a widespread outbreak of Kennel Cough, which has had a major impact on the available racing population due to scratchings and restrictions placed on affected kennels.

The disease has been caused by an organism called Mycoplasma cynos, which is a common cause of Kennel Cough around the world, and while particularly contagious, clinical signs in affected dogs are generally mild and are responsive to treatment with specific antibiotics. There is no vaccine available.

As a result, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards are placing restrictions on the movement of any greyhound travelling from New Zealand to Queensland, as follows:

1. 1. A Queensland owner, trainer or breeder, intending to receive a greyhound that has been in New Zealand at any stage in the 21 days prior to any proposed travel to Queensland, must advise QRIC stewards of their intention of receiving a New Zealand greyhound at least three business days prior to the date of receipt of that greyhound by notification to greyhoundstewards@qric.qld.gov.au and include a copy of the health certificate obtained for travel to Australia.
   2. Any greyhound arriving from New Zealand must undergo a quarantine period of at least 21 days (remaining physically isolated from all other greyhounds at the property) unless varied by the stewards at their discretion in consultation with the QRIC Chief Veterinarian, taking into account any veterinary certification, including diagnostic testing for Mycoplasma cynos, and risk assessment.

It is very important that strict biosecurity protocols are observed and any greyhound arriving from New Zealand must be isolated from all other greyhounds during this period of quarantine and must not move without prior approval of the stewards.

Participants must notify QRIC stewards if they have concerns regarding any infectious disease at their property, including Kennel Cough.

For more information: greyhoundstewards@qric.qld.gov.au