Greyhounds battling own coronavirus strain in South East Queensland

Gold Coast greyhound racing kennels are among those currently battling an outbreak of canine coronavirus in South East Queensland.

GOLD Coast greyhound racing kennels are among those currently battling an outbreak of canine coronavirus in South East Queensland.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has confirmed several dogs tested earlier this week after suffering from gastroenteritis were all infected with the virus that has no relation to the novel coronavirus outbreak causing respiratory illness in people.

Some dogs also testing positive for a mixed or secondary infection with clostridium perfringens. All dogs were negative for parvovirus.

QRIC officials said it was still determining how many Gold Coast kennels were affected.

“Greyhounds are presenting with mild, transient (two-to-three days) lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, associated dehydration and a fever may or may not be present,” QRIC boss Ross Barnett said.

Greyhounds in South East Queensland are battling their own strain of the coronavirus. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“Canine coronavirus is a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting and is highly contagious between dogs. Unlike with parvovirus, the mortality rate is low with canine coronavirus. Puppies are the most susceptible to this disease.

“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.

QRIC Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services Director Dr Martin Lenz said a vaccine is available as a combination vaccine (Protech C2i) against leptospirosis and canine Coronavirus.

“The vaccine will aid in the prevention of the disease but does not stop infection or limit shedding of the virus but maybe recommended for puppies and breeding kennels,” Dr Lenz said.

“The vaccination of dogs should be discussed with your veterinarian.

“I would urge all participants to apply strict personal hygiene and biosecurity practices to help limit the spread of this virus.

“This includes frequent hand washing, isolating sick dogs, wearing gloves and protective clothing, cleaning and disinfecting all areas and equipment including transport vehicles, monitoring the health of all dogs and limiting and quarantining new arrivals.

“Dogs with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or a temperature above 39.5◦C should be isolated immediately.

“It is important that all those in contact with this virus that there is the potential for the virus to be transmitted on clothing and equipment and they should take precautions when handling both healthy and sick dogs within the kennel.”