GA Notice to Industry Participants: Gastrointestinal Illness in Greyhounds
Confirmed cases of canine enteric coronavirus
In recent weeks, there have been several reports of gastrointestinal illness in greyhounds (and other pet dogs) initially in Western Australia, but subsequently in Queensland, Northern Territory and in recent days South Australia. Testing of some affected greyhounds in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia has identified a strain of Canine Coronavirus as the causative agent, which commonly causes disease in dogs.
It is critical to note that this Coronavirus is in no way related to the current widely reported outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the global human population and that there is no known risk of cross-species contamination (i.e. canine to human) relating to same.
The symptoms of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) caused by this virus are normally mild and resolve without treatment. Owners, Trainers and Racing Clubs are advised to remain vigilant and ensure appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of the illness spreading.
GA through its Veterinary & Analysts Committee has and will continue to facilitate disease surveillance and regular dialogue between national Controlling Body veterinarians. GA members are well placed to minimise the risk of the virus and protect the greyhound population, providing participants and veterinarians actively report suspected cases to their state Controlling Body, who may, in turn, provide subsided testing for reported cases.
Practical actions to minimise the risk of disease spread within the industry
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 seek advice from your veterinarian and contact your Controlling Body
• Isolate ‘affected’ greyhounds showing clinical signs
• Quarantine greyhounds ‘in contact’ with affected dogs (e.g. within the same shed) from other ‘healthy’ dogs
• Scratch ‘affected’ greyhounds from race meetings until fully recovered, consider scratching ‘in contacts’ and reduce nonessential travel (e.g. trials)
• Maintain high levels of hygiene through frequent cleaning of your kennels, transport, equipment and feed/water bowls with an effective disinfectant and removing faeces from the environment as often as possible
• Ensure the workflow through your kennel is moving from ‘healthy’ to ‘in contact’ to ‘affected’ dogs (e.g. feeding, cleaning, exercising)
• Do not share bedding and utensils between greyhounds
• Seek veterinary advice for ill greyhounds
• Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, overalls and boots to reduce the risk of you spreading the virus where possible
• Dogs which are being introduced into your kennel should be quarantined from the general population for 10 days. This is particularly important if you are receiving dogs from affected areas or they are being transported with dogs from those areas.
• Racing Clubs to ensure kennel areas are effectively cleaned and disinfected after each race meeting, including appropriate hygiene measures applied to surrounding facilities
Key facts of canine enteric coronavirus
The following clinical signs and disease patterns have been identified in infected greyhounds:
• Gastroenteritis with diarrhoea and vomiting, and reduced appetite
• 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 and therefore infect others 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 will spread through a kennel environment that has insufficient hygiene, quarantine and biosecurity processes
• The virus can be easily killed using commonly available disinfectant products
• A vaccine is available however it may not provide adequate protection, but consult with your veterinarian particularly for puppies or breeding females.
For more information please contact your Controlling Body.
