Industry-Wide Strangles requirements amended from 10 September
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has issued a new Strangles Directive, effective from Thursday 10 September 2026, following a review of the temporary measures introduced during the current outbreak.
The new directive replaces all previous NZTR Strangles directives and removes the industry-wide requirements for Strangles-specific temperature declarations, inter-island testing, travel declarations and prior RIB travel approval.
This means horses and properties that are unaffected by Strangles and are not subject to a specific direction issued by NZTR or the RIB can train, race, trial, breed and travel without any additional Strangles-specific testing or documentation.
Important requirements remain in place for confirmed cases and affected properties:
- Any confirmed Strangles case must be reported immediately to the RIB Veterinary Services Manager at vet@rib.org.nz.
- If Strangles is confirmed, training and horse movements at the affected stable must stop immediately while the attending veterinarian and the RIB assess the appropriate biosecurity measures.
- Any property currently subject to testing, isolation, movement restrictions or other directions from NZTR or the RIB must continue to follow those directions until advised otherwise.
- Trainers must continue to monitor horses for signs of illness. An unwell horse must not race, train or trial.
- Signs of illness can include fever, nasal discharge, coughing or enlarged lymph nodes. Anyone concerned about a horse’s health should isolate the horse and contact their veterinarian promptly.
NZTR and the RIB sincerely thank trainers, breeders, owners, clubs, veterinarians, stable staff and other industry participants for their outstanding response throughout the outbreak. The industry’s vigilance, cooperation and commitment to biosecurity has, and will continue to play an important role in limiting wider transmission.
The updated NZTR Directive for Strangles Disease Management takes effect from 10 September 2026 and replaces all previous Strangles directives.