Tasmania's Greyhound Racing Halted by Widespread Kennel Cough Outbreak; Fatalities Confirmed

Tasmania's greyhound racing industry has suspended all racing, trials, and training activities until March 9. This decisive action follows a widespread kennel cough outbreak detected in early February, aiming to mitigate the rapid spread of the respiratory infection which has affected kennels across all three racing regions in the state.

Tasracing's Chief Veterinary and Animal Welfare Officer, Dr. Martin Lenz, has confirmed that some greyhounds have died due to complications from severe lower airway bacterial infections linked to the outbreak.

Outbreak Forces Industry Shutdown

The kennel cough outbreak began in early February and is described as being in a "rapid spread stage," impacting greyhound kennels statewide.

In response, Tasracing issued a notice on Thursday evening, confirming the immediate suspension of all race meetings, trials, and access to training facilities until March 9.

This measure is intended to enhance biosecurity and reduce opportunities for further infection transmission among dogs.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. Caused by various viruses and bacteria, it primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms typically include a dry, hacking cough, sneezing, and nasal or eye discharge. The infection spreads rapidly through airborne microorganisms from infected animals.

Fatalities Confirmed, Precautionary Measures Issued

Dr. Martin Lenz has confirmed the unfortunate death of some greyhounds. These fatalities resulted from complications related to severe lower airway bacterial infections that required intensive care. Independent post-mortem examinations are being commissioned for these cases to understand the full impact of the outbreak.

Industry participants have been advised to take several critical precautions to protect their animals and prevent further spread:

• Consult veterinarians about boosting kennel cough vaccinations, especially if a greyhound's last C5 vaccination was over six months ago, provided the animal is not symptomatic and the kennel has no recent cases. Newer nasal or oral vaccines are noted for offering more effective local immunity.
• Observe a rest period of at least one week post-vaccination to maximize the immune response. Greyhounds Australasia Rule 25(6) prohibits a greyhound from competing within five days of receiving a vaccine, unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body.
• Isolate symptomatic greyhounds immediately.
• Avoid transferring dogs between kennels to prevent cross-contamination.
• Prevent greyhounds from accessing public areas to limit transmission to other dogs in the community.
• Seek immediate veterinary attention for dogs showing severe symptoms or rapid deterioration. Even healthy-appearing dogs could be in the incubation or early stages of the disease and capable of spreading the infection.

Claire Robins from Greyhounds Tasmania expressed strong support for the suspension, emphasizing the paramount importance of animal welfare and ensuring all dogs receive optimal care, given the potential for severe lung infections.

Looking Ahead: Return Plan and Financial Impact

Tasracing is actively developing a staged return plan in collaboration with industry participants and will provide updates on the rescheduling of feature races as the situation evolves. The organization is also evaluating the financial impact of the suspension on affected participants within the industry.

Broader Context: Shadow of an Impending Ban

This significant outbreak occurs while Tasmania's greyhound racing industry faces an impending legislated shutdown. The lower house of Tasmania's parliament passed a bill to ban greyhound racing, with the ban provisionally set to commence on June 30, 2029, pending approval from the upper house. The greyhound industry is actively campaigning against this impending ban.

A proposed breeding ban, initially scheduled for January 1, 2026, faced delays. It was referred to a parliamentary committee and did not pass the upper house last year, pushing its final approval to at least March 2026.

During a recent parliamentary committee hearing examining the industry's transition plan, Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll expressed concerns about greyhound breeding rates since the ban was announced. He reported 15 registered breeding attempts in the last four months, suggesting a potential "tipping point" where the number of greyhounds could exceed the system's capacity for responsible management and rehoming, potentially affecting animal welfare. Luke Gatehouse, head of Greyhounds Tasmania, disputed claims of increased breeding, stating that only two breeding attempts occurred in January.