Racing Queensland advises industry participants that it has extended the moratorium on enforcement of the national 12 monthly “booster” vaccination rule.
Vaccination requirements for all greyhounds are outlined in Rule 25 of the Greyhounds Australasia rules, which were introduced on May 1, 2022. GAR 25 (3) (d) deals with minimum vaccination requirements beyond the initial 3-vaccination course, and requires that greyhounds receive “once in every further 12-month period a C5 Vaccination unless a veterinarian certifies the greyhound is protected to a C5 level.”
There is currently a national moratorium regarding the application of GAR 25 (3) (d) until May 1, 2023. RQ has now agreed to a moratorium extension until October 1, 2023 for greyhounds domiciled and/or racing in Qld so as to provide a further reasonable period of time for owners and trainers to ensure their greyhounds are compliant with the booster requirements.
Protection to a C5 level means a protective level of seroconversion to the five relevant components (they being the core vaccine components of distemper virus, adenovirus, and parvovirus (C3), plus parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica (commonly referred to as the kennel cough component).
Where a veterinarian determines that the C3 component remains current (for example, because a vaccine with a demonstrated 3-year duration of immunity has previously been administered), an annual “booster” vaccination is only required for the kennel cough component.
Participants would also be aware that GAR 25 (6) is proposed to change and is currently being subjected to industry consultation.
GAR 25 (6) currently reads as follows:
“Unless a Controlling Body determines otherwise, a greyhound must not compete in any Event within seven days of the date it was administered a vaccine.”
RQ is supportive of a change to this rule, subject to consultation now underway, which will alter the seven days non-competition aspect to five days.
The change to GAR 25 (6) is proposed to apply from May 1, 2023, and will apply notwithstanding the extended moratorium on the application of GAR 25 (3) (d).
Whilst compliance with GAR 25 (3) (d) must be in place by October 1, 2023, participants are encouraged to ensure greyhounds under their care are appropriately vaccinated as soon as possible and provide the necessary proof of vaccination documentation to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
Please ensure you allow for adequate processing time when submitting proof of vaccination.
Nominations will not be accepted for any greyhounds where proof of C5 vaccination has not been received and processed by October 1, 2023.