The RIB has now completed targeted surveillance testing of racing populations across Waikato, Auckland and the Central Districts. Approximately 20% of horses at major training centres were tested. The results provide confidence that Strangles is not widespread within these populations.

In light of these results, the Waikato region will no longer be classified as a Strangles Red Zone from Thursday, 20 August 2026.

This means trainers will no longer be required to complete the NZTR Strangles Temperature Monitoring and Health Declaration for horses attending race meetings, trials or jumpouts.

The removal of the Red Zone does not mean the risk of Strangles has passed. All trainers and other industry participants are asked to continue to:

• monitor horses closely for signs of illness
• maintain twice daily temperature checking of horses that are in work
• prevent any unwell horse from racing, training or trialling
• immediately report confirmed Strangles cases, including confirmed cases from the current 2026 outbreak, to the RIB Veterinary Services Manager at vet@rib.org.nz
• comply with any testing, isolation, movement or biosecurity directions issued by NZTR or the Racing Integrity Board.

Requirements for horses travelling from the North Island to the South Island remain in place. These include five days of health and temperature monitoring, an appropriate negative PCR test, submission of the RIB North Island to South Island Strangles Travel Declaration, and prior written approval from the RIB Veterinary Services Manager. 

Biosecurity measures. As a precaution, clubs and participants are asked to continue following current biosecurity measures when Waikato-based horses attend race meetings or trials. These include disinfecting starting gates, avoiding shared water buckets or drinking directly from water pipes, and providing separate tie-up areas. NZTR will look to review these recommendations in due course. 

There are no Strangles requirements for horses travelling from the South Island to the North Island.

The RIB continues to work directly with affected properties to manage individual cases and monitor the situation, with NZTR providing testing support to affected properties to assist with ongoing management and containment.

NZTR and the RIB thank trainers, breeders, owners, clubs, veterinarians, and all industry participants for their continued vigilance. Health monitoring, early identification and prompt reporting remain essential to protecting horse welfare and reducing the risk of Strangles transmission.

The updated NZTR Directive for Strangles Disease Management takes effect from 20 August 2026 and replaces all previous Strangles directives. 

You can view it here. 

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