Latest Strangles update - Version 4

Following ongoing surveillance and consultation with industry partners and veterinary experts, HRNZ has updated the Directive to reflect the current status of the Strangles outbreak while maintaining appropriate safeguards to protect the health of our horses and the continuity of racing.

The new Directive (Version 4) is effective from now, August 6, 2026 

Key changes in Version 4

Mandatory temperature monitoring and the HRNZ Strangles Temperature Monitoring and Health Declaration are no longer required for horses stabled outside the Waikato Strangles Red Zone.

Trainers with horses stabled within the Waikato Strangles Red Zone must continue to undertake temperature monitoring and complete the HRNZ Strangles Temperature Monitoring and Health Declaration before racing, trialling or attending workouts.

Existing requirements for horses travelling from the North Island to the South Island remain unchanged while further surveillance is undertaken. 

There are no longer any Strangles-specific requirements for horses travelling from the South Island to the North Island.

While documented temperature monitoring is no longer required for horses outside the Strangles Red Zone, HRNZ strongly encourages trainers to continue regular temperature checking and health monitoring as an important precaution. Continued vigilance remains one of the best ways to detect illness early and help protect the wider racing industry.

For more information, including the updated Directive, current travel requirements, symptoms and biosecurity advice, please click here 

If you have any questions, please contact welfare@hrnz.co.nz.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation in protecting the health and welfare of our horses and helping ensure the continuity of harness racing.