Strangles outbreak confirmed in New Plymouth

Harness Racing New Zealand has advised participants of a new outbreak of Strangles in the New Plymouth area. The Racing Integrity Board has notified the affected trainers and the New Plymouth Training Facility is closed while the outbreak is managed.

HRNZ is urging all trainers to remain vigilant, particularly anyone who has recently travelled with horses or had contact with horses from other properties, and to keep good biosecurity practices in place to limit any further spread.

What trainers are asked to do

Trainers are reminded to monitor horses for signs of illness, including elevated temperatures, nasal discharge, coughing, swollen lymph nodes or reduced appetite, and to take and record temperatures twice daily, particularly for horses that may have been exposed. Any horse showing signs of illness should be isolated immediately and its veterinarian contacted.

Potentially exposed horses should be kept separate and unnecessary horse movements avoided, while good hygiene practices, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment, vehicles, stables and yards, remain the best protection.

Reporting

Suspected or confirmed cases of Strangles must be reported promptly to the RIB at [email protected]. Horses showing signs of illness must not attend race meetings, trials or other racing activities, and any participant involved in the current outbreak must follow veterinary and RIB directions, including any testing, clearance or movement requirements.

Ongoing updates

HRNZ will continue to monitor the situation alongside the RIB and NZTR. At this stage no additional HRNZ wide movement restrictions have been introduced, and participants will be advised if that changes. Further information and biosecurity advice is available on the HRNZ Strangles Information Page.