Caption: The Commission reminds those in charge of a registered racing greyhound of their obligations under the Greyhound Australasian Rules of Racing 84A. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)

This is a friendly reminder from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission about the importance of keeping your racing greyhound vaccinated and protected from diseases such Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Kennel Cough.

There are five main types of diseases that can be protected against by following the vaccination program – i.e. generally, the first vaccination, C3 should be given at six to eight weeks, the second vaccination shot should be given around the 12 to 14 weeks, the third shot should be given at 16 to 18 weeks and the C5 vaccine should be given annually, especially racing greyhounds who are exposed to a number of other people and animals.   

The main five diseases that can affect your greyhound:

1. Distemper: This virus is usually fatal. Symptoms include coughing, diarrhoea, seizures, loss of balance and blindness.
2. Hepatitis: Another disease that can be fatal. Hepatitis usually results in permanent and irreversible liver damage. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
3. Parvovirus:  Known to cause fatal diarrhoea, the types of dogs that are especially susceptible are puppies, dogs that are immunosuppressed, dogs that are exposed to many other dogs and geriatric dogs. There is also a less common cardiac manifestation of this disease.
4. Parainfluenza:  The viral component of kennel cough; this disease is not fatal; however, it can cause debilitation that leads to other fatal diseases. Even with treatment there will usually be permanent damage to the respiratory system. This is a highly contagious and extremely debilitating disease.
5. Bordetella bronchiseptica:  A bacterial component of Kennel Cough.

The Commission reminds those in charge of a registered racing greyhound of their obligations under the Greyhound Australasian Rules of Racing 84A.

Please ensure treatment records are kept detailing all vaccinations, antiparasitic and medical treatments administered to a greyhound from the time the greyhound enters their care until it leaves their care and for a minimum of two (2) years.

For further information contact the QRIC animal welfare team at welfare@qric.qld.gov.au