New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has introduced additional health requirements for all horses accepted to race or trial as part of the industry's response to the current Strangles situation.

The measures are designed to minimise the risk of disease spread while allowing racing and trialling to continue safely.

As the governing body for thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, NZTR considers it necessary to implement these additional precautions given the seriousness of Strangles and the potential consequences an outbreak could have for racing, breeding, sales and exports.

The requirements have been developed in consultation with industry veterinarians and are intended to be practical, proportionate and evidence-based, providing appropriate safeguards while supporting the continued operation of racing and trialling.

The new requirements take effect from the Cambridge Synthetic race meeting on Thursday 9 July 2026 and will remain in place until further notice.

The directive outlines new requirements for temperature monitoring, health declarations and, where applicable, Serum Amyloid A (SAA) testing for horses accepted to race or trial.

Industry participants are encouraged to read the directive in full and ensure they understand the new requirements before presenting horses to race or trial.

Read the NZTR Directive: New Strangles Requirements for Racing and Trialling

View the Strangles Health Declaration