Tasracing has received laboratory information indicating infection with Streptococcus bacteria in greyhounds that have died suddenly.

Two strains of bacteria identified have been Streptococcuszooepidemicus and Streptococcus canis. Both bacteria can be normal inhabitants of the upper respiratory tract of greyhounds, however, can also cause rapidly fatal disease in dogs that are immunocompromised. Disease is often seen in association with Kennel Cough, where it is thought that Kennel Cough predisposes to infection by these Streptococcus organisms through a weakening of the airway defences, allowing these bacteria to gain access to the lower respiratory tract. Affected dogs develop a serious condition called canine haemorrhagic pneumonia, requiring rapid veterinary intervention and intensive care.

Kennel Cough is a rapidly spreading upper respiratory tract infection producing the following clinical signs:

• a characteristic dry, hacking cough, sometimes in coughing fits
• sneezing and nasal/eye discharge

If your dog shows more severe signs than the above and/or rapid deterioration, seek veterinary attention immediately.

As a business continuity mitigation measure, the Tasracing Greyhounds As Pets program is temporarily halting intake of new dogs to allow the Kennel Cough vaccination status of its resident greyhounds to be boosted with intra-nasal vaccine.

Tasracing encourages all participants to discuss boosting their greyhounds’ kennel cough vaccination with their veterinarians.

Consider vaccination if:

• the greyhound’s last C5 vaccination was administered more than 6 months ago
• your greyhound is not currently showing clinical signs of kennel cough and your kennel has not recently had cases of kennel cough

Please remember to give your dog at least a week’s rest after any vaccination; this enables the body to maximise the response to the vaccine and build optimum immunity.

Greyhounds Australasia Rule 25

(6) Unless a Controlling Body determines otherwise, a greyhound must not compete in any Event within five days of the date it was administered a vaccine.