Strangles update - July 29

Effective from today (Wednesday, July 29), horses in Strangles red zones will no longer need to undergo blood tests before racing.

Under previous directives the Serum Amyloid test (SSA) was mandatory for all Waikato-based horses engaged to race.

Now the industry and veterinary experts, led by the RIB, have been encouraged by the progress in combating the outbreak to the extent that the SSA is no longer required.

However safeguards are still in place for anyone taking horses to race meetings, trials and workouts.

They are :

· Complete an HRNZ Strangles Temperature Monitoring and Health Declaration for each horse.
· Record each horse's temperature twice daily for the five days before the meeting, plus on the morning of the meeting.
· Do not present an unwell horse to a race meeting, trials or workouts.
· The RIB will be undertaking pooled surveillance testing of thoroughbred horses in the Central Districts and Auckland to better understand disease transmission and provide HRNZ and the RIB with greater confidence to make further informed decisions.
· Interisland travel requirements remain in place.

For more information, including symptoms and biosecurity advice, please visit: https://www.hrnz.co.nz/industry-information/health-and-animal-welfare/health-and-management/strangles-outbreak/

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

To read more on the latest Directive click here

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

HRNZ