The combination of recent higher than usual rainfall and warm, humid conditions has meant that environmental conditions are optimal for parasites to flourish.

Participants are urged to maintain rigorous flea, tick and worm prevention programmes, developed in consultation with their private veterinarians. GWIC recommends a multi-faceted approach to parasite control, including environmental control methods and the use of combination products which together target all parasite life stages.

Greyhounds presenting at the races with fleas may be withdrawn at kennelling in line with Rule 37(4).

The Commission has received reports from QLD of pup deaths due to hookworm and advises participants to discuss effective hookworm control with their veterinarians, especially in the NSW Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers, where hookworm may be more prevalent. Hookworm has demonstrated resistance to many de-wormers and concerned participants should screen for hookworm and discuss specific targeted control with their veterinarians.

Please contact vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au for further advice.