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GRV Notice to Participants: Gastrointestinal Illness in Greyhounds

February 17, 2020

In recent weeks, there have been several reports of a gastrointestinal illness in greyhounds and other dogs located in Western Australia & Queensland. Testing of affected greyhounds in Queensland has identified a strain of Coronavirus as the causative agent. Canine Gastroenteritises are commonly found in dogs, and this Coronavirus is in no way related to the current human Coronavirus outbreak which has been the focus of much media attention this year

The following clinical signs and disease patterns have been identified in infected greyhounds:

  • Stomach upsets – Ranging from reduced appetite to diarrhoea/scours and vomiting
  • Lack of energy and reduced activity
  • Most cases do not present with an elevated temperature
  • Illness lasts between 2 – 14 days but often resolves within 5 days
  • Dogs can still shed the virus for 6-9 days after their symptoms have resolved
  • Some dogs that do not appear ill can shed the virus and spread it to healthy dogs
  • The virus is transmitted from direct contact with faeces or contaminated material
  • Young dogs are most at risk of infection and developing serious illness
  • The virus is highly contagious and may display a “storm” of illness in a kennel environment
  • The virus can be easily killed using commonly available disinfectant products

The symptoms of gastroenteritis caused by this virus are normally mild and resolve without treatment.  There have been no deaths recorded in adult greyhounds, but the disease has potential to impact on race fields. While there have not been any cases identified outside of Western Australia & Queensland at this time, trainers are advised to remain vigilant and implement appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of their dogs becoming ill. Victorian greyhound racing clubs have been instructed to implement several measures to reduce the risk of the virus becoming established in Victoria. It is advised that participants take the following measures to protect their greyhounds:

  • Monitor your greyhounds for signs of illness, and if you have concerns consult your veterinarian
  • Frequent cleaning of your kennels, transport, equipment and feed/water bowls with a bleach-based product or specialist veterinary disinfectant such as Virkon®, F10® & Wysywash®
  • If infection is suspected, isolate affected greyhounds and in contacts from other dogs
  • If your greyhound is due to race and you suspect it is ill, scratch it from its engagements, and if going to your veterinarian, please inform them prior to arrival that your greyhound may be infected
  • Maintain high levels of hygiene in your kennel and remove faeces from the environment as often as possible
  • Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, overalls and boots to reduce the risk of you spreading the virus where possible
  • Do not share bedding and utensils between greyhounds
  • Dogs which are being introduced into your kennel should be quarantined and isolated from the general population for 10 days. This is important if you are receiving dogs from affected areas of dogs being transported with dogs from affected areas
  • Reduce travel with your greyhounds that is not essential
  • A vaccine is available however it does not provide complete protection. Breeding females and recently born puppies are the best candidates for vaccination. Should you be considering vaccination, it is advised that you consult with your clinical veterinarian.

GRV is committed to assisting participants and protecting the greyhound population should the virus become established in Victoria. Disease surveillance and communication with national controlling bodies is occurring frequently and we are well placed to minimise the effects of the virus should it become established.

Veterinary services have published several factsheets on biosecurity and disease in greyhounds which participants may find useful and can be viewed at the below links:

Greyhound Husbandry (Part 1): Facility Design FAQs
Greyhound Husbandry (Part 2): Sanitation FAQs

Subsided testing maybe available through clinical veterinarians or GRV veterinary services. It is encouraged that any cases that are confirmed by participants and their veterinarians be reported to GRV. Should you require any support, advice or have any information regarding this illness please direct  correspondence to [email protected].

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