This reflects the encouraging position of the outbreak while maintaining appropriate safeguards to protect the racing industry and has the support of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) and the Equine Veterinarians of New Zealand (EVNZ). 

As of 27 July 2026, there have been no new affected properties since 21 July. While one additional horse was diagnosed with Strangles on Friday 24 July, it was located on an existing affected property and does not represent any further spread of the outbreak.

The outbreak remains confined to 14 known affected properties, with no evidence of geographical spread beyond the Waikato region.

NZTR thanks everyone across the industry for their continued commitment to managing the outbreak.

"Your vigilance, prompt reporting and strong biosecurity practices are making a real difference," said NZTR Head of Welfare and Industry Capability, Sam Fursdon.

"While we cannot afford to become complacent, the collective efforts of trainers, owners, breeders, veterinarians, clubs and everyone working with Thoroughbreds are helping contain the outbreak and protect the wider industry."

Refined management approach

The proposed changes, developed by the RIB with the support of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) and Equine Veterinarians of New Zealand (EVNZ), are designed to maintain strong disease surveillance while reducing compliance requirements where the level of risk allows.

Since the first Strangles Directive was introduced:

• 557 Serum Amyloid A (SAA) tests have been undertaken across 18 race and trial meetings.

• Just 13 tests (2.3%) returned elevated results, with all horses stood down until cleared by a veterinarian.

• Only one additional affected property has been identified since the initial outbreak.

• There has been no evidence of the disease spreading beyond the Waikato region.

The industry has now operated under enhanced controls for longer than the generally accepted incubation period for Strangles. While this does not eliminate the possibility of undetected disease, it provides increasing confidence that widespread transmission is not occurring.

What is changing?

Waikato

From Thursday 30 July, the requirement for routine SAA testing will be removed, significantly reducing compliance costs for trainers.

However:

• Temperature monitoring remains mandatory.

• Trainers must continue to submit temperature records on race day.

• Horses travelling from Waikato to the South Island must continue to return a negative PCR test.

Auckland and Central Districts

Targeted PCR surveillance will begin at selected training facilities over the coming weeks, with approximately 20% of horses at selected venues to be tested.

Subject to satisfactory surveillance results, the RIB expects to review current controls during the week beginning 10 August 2026.

South Island

There remains no evidence of an active Strangles outbreak within the South Island racing population.

Existing safeguards for horses travelling from the North Island to the South Island will remain in place to minimise the risk of introducing the disease.

What stays the same?

While some requirements are being eased, important biosecurity measures remain in place, including:

• Daily temperature monitoring.

• Submission of temperature records on race day.

• Immediate notification of suspected or confirmed cases.

• Strong biosecurity practices at training centres and racecourses.

• Current inter-island horse travel requirements.

• Restrictions applying to infected properties.

Following surveillance in Auckland and the Central Districts, the RIB will undertake similar targeted surveillance across key Waikato training centres. If results continue to indicate no wider transmission, further relaxation of travel restrictions will be considered within approximately four weeks.

Reminder: Current NZTR Strangles Directive

The NZTR Strangles Directive has been updated and applies to all persons responsible for the care and management of thoroughbreds, including trainers, breeders, agistment operators, pre-trainers and other service providers covered by the Rules of Racing.

Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the current requirements: No.27 - 27-07-2026 - NZTR Circular FY26 - NZTR Directive New Strangles Requirements for Racing and Trialling.pdf 

Immediate notification remains essential

Anyone responsible for thoroughbreds or standardbreds must notify the RIB Veterinary Services Manager immediately when Strangles has been confirmed, or where an attending veterinarian considers Strangles to be a likely diagnosis.

Early notification is one of the most effective ways to limit disease spread and protect the wider racing industry. The sooner the RIB has a clear understanding of the situation, the sooner it can implement targeted, proportionate measures that support a safe return to normal operations.

Failure to notify the RIB or comply with the Directive is a breach of the Rules of Racing.

If you have a confirmed or suspected case that has not yet been reported, contact the RIB Veterinary Services Manager immediately at vet@rib.org.nz.

NZTR funding support

To support the management of the current strangles outbreak, NZTR has approved a temporary funding framework through the 1% Welfare Levy Reserve Fund. From 27 July 2026, NZTR will fully fund RIB-coordinated targeted surveillance testing and provide financial assistance towards approved veterinary sampling and laboratory testing for eligible properties requiring case management or clearance testing. We will work directly with affected trainers and owners on a case-by-case basis to ensure appropriate support is available, with the aim of reducing financial barriers to testing, supporting horse welfare and assisting the safe return of Thoroughbred horses to training and racing.

Stay informed

The NZTR Strangles Hub remains the central source for the latest updates, directives, guidance, travel requirements, forms and other resources. Participants are encouraged to check the hub regularly as information is updated.

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