Swindon Greyhound Stadium is said to be unaffected by an unknown outbreak that has killed dogs at the neighbouring Oxford track.
Greyhound racing is incredibly popular in the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire areas of the country, and Swindon owners will often race their dogs at the Oxford Stadium.
The GBGB (Greyhound Board of Great Britain) has urged trainers to be vigilant after a sudden fatal outbreak at the kennels.
They released a statement, saying: "Investigations are underway to identify and confirm the cause of the outbreak with post-mortems taking place and a number of laboratories involved in analysing samples.
"To date, no new cases have occurred since the initial number of greyhounds became ill, and the outbreak appears to be contained to a single trainer’s kennels.
"However, trainers should continue to be particularly vigilant for any signs of lethargy, going off their food and/or vomiting in their dogs and if seen, immediately seek veterinary attention."
The GBGB were asked if the Greyhound owners in Swindon have any need to worry about their dogs getting sick.
They told the Advertiser: "We remain confident, at present, that this is confined to one trainer’s kennels with no implications for tracks across the country other than Oxford Stadium. Standard levels of biosecurity have been heightened at Oxford Stadium as a precaution."
Swindon trainers should be mindful of the disease and not go near Oxford Stadium until the situation is under control and the disease is identified.
Dr Simon Gower, Veterinary Director of GBGB, said: “This is very distressing for the trainer involved and we are asking all trainers who race at Oxford to look out for these signs of illness. We believe that this is contained to one set of kennels, but would urge caution until the source of the outbreak is identified.
“We have been working closely with the trainer and the stadium and biosecurity has been enhanced at the track.
“At present, we are still ruling out different causes and it would be wrong at this stage to speculate on what it might be. As soon as we have a more informed picture, we will provide further updates. In the meantime, trainers are urged to be vigilant and to speak to their GBGB Regional Regulatory Vet if they have any concerns.
“Our thoughts are obviously with the trainer involved and GBGB is providing every assistance we can to help them.”
