New Zealand greyhound racing has recently had a widespread outbreak of kennel cough, which has had a major impact on the available racing population due to scratchings and restrictions placed on affected kennels.

The disease has been caused by an organism called Mycoplasma cynos, which is a common cause of kennel cough around the world, and while particularly contagious, clinical signs in affected dogs are generally mild and dogs are responsive to treatment. There is no vaccine available.

Although movement of greyhounds from New Zealand to Australia is rare, to minimise any risk to the Victorian racing population GRV has implemented a temporary policy to restrict the movement of greyhounds from New Zealand to Victoria. In the limited cases this policy applies, participants must ask GRV’s permission prior to receiving a dog that has been domiciled in New Zealand at any stage in the 21 days prior to receiving it.

Participants must continue to notify GRV if they have concerns regarding any infectious disease at their property, including kennel cough.

For further information please read the Veterinary Fact Sheet – FAQs Kennel Cough

Policy effective from 19 December 2020:

Greyhounds that have been domiciled in New Zealand at any stage in the 21 days prior to any proposed travel to Victoria will not be permitted to do so without the prior permission of GRV Stewards, who will consider the advice of the Chief Veterinarian.

Greyhounds that have been domiciled in New Zealand at any stage in the 21 days prior to any Event in Victoria will not be permitted to be nominated for any such Event without the prior permission of Stewards, who will consider the advice of the Chief Veterinarian.

A Victorian owner, trainer or breeder, intending to receive a greyhound that has been domiciled in New Zealand at any stage in the 21 days prior to any proposed travel to Victoria must advise GRV of their intention of receiving a New Zealand greyhound at least three business days prior to the date of receipt of that greyhound by notification to [email protected], and include a copy of the health certificate obtained for travel to Australia.

Before a greyhound relocated from New Zealand can be nominated for a Victorian event, the greyhound will be subject to a 21 day period of quarantine (away from other greyhounds) at a Victorian kennel address, unless varied by the Chief Veterinarian at their discretion, taking into consideration any veterinary certification, diagnostic testing or risk assessment.

This Policy will cease to be in effect on 31 March 2021, or sooner (at the discretion of the GRV CEO) if the level of risk to Victorian greyhound racing posed by transfer of greyhounds from New Zealand to Australia has sufficiently reduced.