Tassie dogs push on
CANINE coronavirus has struck with force in Victoria, which has led to neighbouring South Australia shutting its border to its eastern seaboard state.
Tasmania has not taken such action with the Office of Racing Integrity labelling the outbreak as low risk to Tasmania due to few greyhounds being imported to the state at this time of year.
ORI Director of Racing John King says the canine coronavirus is endemic to Tasmania and this this latest outbreak in Victoria that coincides with the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 in humans has simply raised the profile of canine coronavirus.
“ORI has been in close contact with other jurisdictions in relation to the coronavirus in canines that has been prevalent interstate of late,” Mr. King said.
“We also have been in discussions with Tasracing and we’ve sought the advice of biosecurity and the state’s chief veterinarian that led us to assess the risk to our greyhound population as low.”
ORI sent notifications via text messages of the virus outbreak interstate to all Tasmanian greyhound owners and trainer.
“We notified the virus outbreak informing them of a contagious gastroenteritis (vomiting/diarrhoea) caused by canine coronavirus. The outbreak of canine coronavirus started in Western Australia in December, spreading to Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
“Canine coronavirus is a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting and is highly contagious between dogs (but) is not related in any way to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting humans.”
Mr. King said all states other than Tasmania have been affected with some of their race and trial meetings cancelled.
“The disease is relatively easy to control by restricting dog movements, isolating imports and good hygiene.
“There is no specific treatment for canine coronavirus, however supportive care is very important and greyhound racing participants should seek immediate veterinary advice for affected dogs.
“As an island state, Tasmania is in a very fortunate position to continue to race and enjoy our sport, however owners and trainers have a vested interest in containing this outbreak. “The Office of Racing Integrity implores participants to avoid the importation of dogs from the mainland but if necessary, these dogs must be isolated from the general population for a period of 14 days.”
Tasmania holds three greyhound meetings a week, in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart.