NZTR is reminding participants to maintain strong biosecurity practices as Strangles continues to affect properties in the Waikato.
With spring racing underway, the Ready to Run Sales approaching and the breeding season in full swing, continued vigilance is essential to protect horses and minimise disruption across the industry.
Current situation
The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) continues to receive notifications of new properties affected by Strangles.
Good progress is being made across affected properties, with horses completing testing and receiving clearances, resulting in an overall reduction in active cases. However, ongoing notifications of new infections reinforce that Strangles remains an active issue requiring continued management and oversight. Biosecurity measures and completion of the recommended testing and clearance requirements remain essential.
Good biosecurity protects everyone
We encourage trainers, breeders, owners and others involved in thoroughbred movements to review their arrangements, particularly when receiving new horses or moving horses between properties:
- Considering where new arrivals have come from and any potential exposure to infectious disease.
- Having arrangements to separate and monitor new arrivals before mixing them with resident thoroughbreds.
- Having a clear plan for separating a horse showing signs of illness.
- Working with your veterinarian to develop a practical biosecurity plan suited to your operation.
Horses may appear healthy while incubating or carrying infection. A negative pre-arrival swab does not eliminate that risk.
Participants involved in the response should continue to follow veterinary, RIB and NZTR advice, including all applicable testing, clearance and horse movement requirements.
The RIB’s Prevent Disease. Protect Racing. Advisory provides a useful reminder on practical prevention and planning. The Strangles hub has a comprehensive suite of resources and all previous Strangles updates.
For questions about the Waikato response, contact Michelle Pap: vet@rib.org.nz