2024
Protecting the health and well-being of your greyhounds doesn’t happen by accident, be vigilant.
That is the message from Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission’s Chief Veterinary Officer Tony Kuipers following the confirmation of cases of Canine Coronavirus on a property in South Australia.
While affected and in-contact greyhounds from this property have been quarantined for at least 14 days and investigations to the source of the infection are being undertaken, Dr Kuipers said it serves as a reminder of the value of good biosecurity and hygiene practices.
“Participants should always 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,” he said.
“The Commission continuously monitors for any cases of Canine Coronavirus and undertakes continuous risk assessments with strict controls to be introduced if deemed necessary.”
While there are currently no reported cases of Canine Coronavirus in New South Wales, the Commission is appealing to all greyhound trainers to be vigilant in monitoring the health of their greyhounds, especially if racing in South Australia.
It is essential to isolate any infected and in-contact greyhounds for 14 days, scratch these greyhounds from any trials or races, and seek veterinary advice.
In addition, if you suspect your greyhound is infected, it is imperative to report this to GWIC via the quickest mode of communication available.
Participants should also note that Canine Coronavirus is in no way related to the strain of coronavirus COVID-19 that causes respiratory illness in humans.
Further information in regard to how to prevent the transmission of the disease, can be found on the Canine Coronavirus factsheet below.
If you have any concerns about the health of your greyhounds, please contact the Commission’s Veterinarians on 13 49 42 or vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au
On 1 July 2024, the Commission will introduce a number of new rules. These include five national rules and four local rules.
New Local Rules
|
Reason |
|
|---|---|
| LR34B Controlling body may scratch dogs on failure to comply with direction to check in |
The purpose of this local rule is to allow the controlling body to prevent a trainer nominating greyhounds if they have failed to comply with a request to check in their greyhounds as part of the Commission's traceability program for all greyhounds. |
| LR34C Deceased registered person - dealing with greyhound |
The purpose of this local rule is to make it easier for family members to manage greyhounds when a participant dies. The local rule will allow another family member who is registered, or a registered person nominated by the family, to have custody of greyhounds until a deceased person’s estate is resolved. |
| LR85C Greyhound nominated at two meetings on the same day |
This local rule will require participants who have nominated a greyhound for two events on the same day to prioritise an event that is a final or part of a series. The purpose of this local rule is to prevent the scratching of greyhounds from series or finals events. |
| LR178C Restriction on defaulters and persons disqualified, suspended or warned off |
This local rule will allow participants who are suspended to apply for an exemption that will allow them to continue some greyhound racing activities - not including racing - while suspended. |
New National Rules
|
Reason |
|
|---|---|
| GAR138 (e) Meaning of exempted substance |
This rule will add cyclosporin, tacrolimus, oclacitinib and lokivetmab to the list of substances exempt for the purpose of treating pannus under GAR138. |
| GAR139 Permanently banned prohibited substances and certain offences in relation to them |
This rule change will correct an error in the name of one prohibited substance. |
| GAR140(h) Prohibited substances subject to a threshold |
This rule will add prednisolone to the list of prohibited substances that are subject to a threshold. NSW Local Racing Rules already provide for exemption of prednisolone when used in greyhounds diagnosed with pannus; this rule will now allow a certain level of prednisolone in all greyhounds. |
| GAR146(6)(g) Therapeutic substances and screening limits - Ketoprofen |
Ketoprofen is a therapeutic substance which is a prohibited substance; this rule will introduce a screening limit for the substance which will mean if detected under the screening limit it will not be a prohibited substance. |
| GAR147(6)(d) Residue substances and residue limits - Procaine |
Procaine is a local anaesthetic which is a prohibited substance; this rule will introduce a residue limit for the substance. |