Greyhound Racing Suspended in Tasmania Amid Widespread Kennel Cough Outbreak

A state-wide suspension of all greyhound racing, trials, and training activities in Tasmania is in effect until at least March 9.

The suspension, announced by Tasracing, follows a widespread outbreak of kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection in dogs, which has been reported in kennels across all three of the state's racing regions.

Outbreak and Industry Response

The outbreak was first detected in early February. Tasracing has described the situation as being in a "rapid spread stage." To reduce the risk of further infection, the organization has closed all racing and training facilities and prohibited the transfer of dogs between kennels.

Participants have been advised to prevent their greyhounds from accessing public areas to limit potential transmission to pet dogs. Officials note that dogs may appear healthy while still being capable of spreading the infection during the incubation or early stages of the disease.

Health Information and Veterinary Advice

Kennel cough is a fast-spreading respiratory infection caused by various viruses and bacteria. Clinical signs can include a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, and nasal or eye discharge.

Tasracing's chief veterinary and animal welfare officer, Dr. Martin Lenz, confirmed that some greyhounds have died due to complications from the outbreak, specifically severe lower airway bacterial infections. Independent post-mortem examinations are being commissioned for these cases.

Industry participants are advised to:

• Isolate symptomatic greyhounds.
• Seek immediate veterinary attention for dogs showing severe symptoms or rapid deterioration.
• Consult their veterinarians regarding vaccinations. Vaccination is recommended for greyhounds whose last C5 vaccination was over six months ago, provided the dog is not symptomatic and the kennel has not recently had cases.
• Observe a rest period of at least one week post-vaccination. Greyhounds Australasia rules prohibit a greyhound from competing within five days of receiving a vaccine.

Future Plans and Industry Context

Tasracing is developing a staged plan for the industry's return in collaboration with participants and will advise on the rescheduling of feature races. The organization is also evaluating the financial impact of the suspension on affected participants.

The outbreak occurs within a broader context for the industry. In 2024, Tasmania's lower house passed a bill to ban greyhound racing, with a proposed commencement date of June 30, 2029, pending approval from the upper house.

During recent parliamentary committee hearings on the industry's transition, Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll reported 15 registered greyhound breeding attempts in the four months prior, expressing concern that breeding rates could lead to an oversupply of dogs. Luke Gatehouse, head of Greyhounds Tasmania, disputed this, stating only two breeding attempts occurred in January. A proposed breeding ban, initially set for January 1, 2026, was referred to a committee, delaying its final approval until at least March 2026.