NZ Thoroughbred Racing has been notified of two confirmed cases of Strangles (a weanling and a broodmare) at a thoroughbred stable in Taranaki.

Dr Andrew Grierson, acting on behalf of NZ Thoroughbred Racing, has been in liaison with both the trainer and his vet, and been assured that the horses and property have movement controls in place to prevent this spreading. 

The two horses confirmed with strangles and two other in-contact horses were not near the racehorses on the property.

To date no racehorse has displayed any clinical signs of strangles however as a precaution they will be in quarantine on the property for at least 21 days, and tested for strangles using PCR and bacterial isolation, and monitored daily for any rise in temperature.

NZTR appreciates the professional response to this incident by the trainer concerned who quarantined his stable as per the code of Strangles control, as advised to equine sectors by the NZ Equine Health Association. 

All licence holders are reminded to be vigilant in checking the health status of horses under their care, and also reminded to maintain sound biosecurity practices.

There are no changes to race meetings as a result of the Strangles diagnosis.