Canine Coronavirus confirmed in NSW South Coast greyhounds
The Commission's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Michelle Ledger, said that faecal testing confirmed the presence of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea and the greyhounds have been quarantined since they first showed signs of the illness.
“These greyhounds have been isolated while they recover and will remain in quarantine for 14 days to help prevent the spread of the virus,” Dr Ledger said.
Commission Stewards and Vets will be in contact with any trainers who may have been exposed to the affected greyhounds prior to any symptoms developing.
“The majority of greyhound trainers are familiar with the virus and have biosecurity measures in place at their kennels in the event of an outbreak,” Dr Ledger said.
“We encourage trainers to continue to practice good hygiene methods which include disinfection of all trailers and transport, boots, bedding, muzzles, leads and other equipment that may pose a risk of infection to other greyhounds.”
“We have also been liaising with clubs across the state to ensure that extra hygiene measures are in place at race meetings.”
The Commission urges all greyhound trainers to be vigilant in monitoring the health of their greyhounds and isolate any infected and in-contact greyhounds for 10-14 days and scratch these greyhounds from any trials or races.
“The Commission is continuing to monitor the illness in NSW and notify the Commission for suspected cases so that we can arrange further testing,” Dr Ledger said.
The Commission continues to monitor the spread of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea on a daily basis and is undertaking continuous risk assessments with further controls to be introduced if deemed necessary.
It is important to remember that Canine Coronavirus (Canine Infectious Diarrhoea) is in no way related to the current outbreak of Novel Coronavirus causing respiratory illness in humans.