The vigilance, prompt reporting and strong biosecurity practices being adopted by trainers, breeders, veterinarians, clubs and participants are making a real difference in helping contain the disease. While there has been one additional affected property since the last update, the outbreak remains contained to the Waikato region, demonstrating that the industry's collective efforts are helping limit further spread.

Current Situation

The latest update from the New Zealand Equine Health Association:

• As of Thursday 16 July, there has been one additional affected property, bringing the total to 14 properties.

• The new property is located in the Waikato and is linked to an existing infected property.

• The outbreak continues to primarily affect training and pre-training properties, with some stud farms also affected.

• The outbreak remains contained to the Waikato region, with one well-contained property in the Auckland area directly linked to the Waikato outbreak. That property does not take horses to communal training facilities or race meetings.

Reminder: Notify the RIB Immediately

Early notification remains one of the most effective tools available to help contain the outbreak.

If Strangles is confirmed, or an attending veterinarian considers it to be the likely diagnosis, trainers, breeders, agistment operators, pre-trainers and other people responsible for thoroughbreds or standardbreds must notify the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) Veterinary Services Manager as soon as possible. 

Notification enables the RIB to work alongside the attending veterinarian to assess the situation, provide guidance and implement practical, proportionate biosecurity measures to minimise the risk of further spread.

Importantly, notification is not about penalising affected properties. Each situation is assessed individually, with the focus on protecting the wider horse population while supporting participants wherever possible.

Anyone who currently has, or has had since 1 May 2026, a confirmed or suspected Strangles case that has not yet been reported is required to contact the RIB Veterinary Services Manager without delay at vet@rib.org.nz.

Companion Horses

NZTR also reminds trainers that companion horses attending race or trial meetings must comply with the current Strangles requirements.

Any trainer wishing to take a companion horse to a race or trial meeting should:

• Check with the relevant club that the companion horse can be accommodated.

• Ensure the horse, regardless of breed, complies with all current Strangles protocols that apply to horses racing or trialling on the day.

Looking After Yourself

NZTR recognises that responding to the outbreak has placed additional pressure on many participants, with increased health monitoring, paperwork and biosecurity requirements adding to already busy workloads.

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential wellbeing services are available through OnTrack. Whether you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed or simply need someone to talk to, support is available for everyone working in the racing industry.

Stay Up to Date

The current Strangles requirements, including the updated interisland horse travel protocols, remain in place.

NZTR will continue to review the response alongside the Racing Integrity Board, the New Zealand Equine Health Association and industry veterinarians and will provide further updates as required.

For the latest directives, guidance, forms and resources, visit the NZTR Strangles Information Hub