A new strangles outbreak has been identified in the New Plymouth area. The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) has notified affected trainers, and the New Plymouth Training Facility is closed while the outbreak is being managed.

Trainers who have raced, trialled or otherwise campaigned horses in the Central Districts over the past three weeks are urged to exercise heightened vigilance and take appropriate precautions to minimise the risk of further spread.

Participants involved in the response must follow veterinary, RIB and NZTR advice, including all applicable testing, clearance and horse movement requirements.

Monitoring and Biosecurity
All trainers are reminded of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity practices, particularly those with horses that have recently travelled or mixed with horses from other properties. Trainers should:

• Take and record horses' temperatures twice daily, remaining alert for elevated temperatures or other signs of illness, including nasal discharge, coughing, swollen lymph nodes or reduced appetite.
• Immediately isolate any horse showing signs of illness and contact their veterinarian for advice.
• Apply appropriate quarantine measures to horses that may have been exposed, including separating them from other horses and avoiding unnecessary movement.
• Maintain strict biosecurity practices, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment, transport vehicles, stables and yards, and avoiding the sharing of equipment between horses.

Reporting Requirements
Trainers are reminded that all suspected or confirmed cases of Strangles must be reported promptly to the RIB at vet@rib.org.nz.

Early identification, prompt reporting and effective isolation are essential to limiting further transmission and protecting the wider racing industry. Further information on Strangles, including recommended biosecurity measures, is available on the NZTR Strangles Hub. 

The RIB and NZTR are working together to gather further information and assess the situation. Discussions are underway to determine what additional measures, if any, may be required to manage the current cases and minimise the risk of further spread. Further updates will follow as required. 

Working together to protect our horses and our racing
NZTR and the RIB thank everyone across the thoroughbred industry for their care, vigilance and cooperation. Your efforts to maintain good biosecurity help protect horse welfare, support industry businesses and keep racing going.