Greyhound racing sport participants are reminded that the minimum vaccination requirements for greyhounds changed under National Rules amendments which came into force in Victoria on 1 December 2015.

From 1 December 2015, all greyhounds are required to be fully vaccinated at 12 months of age and prior to naming with a minimum C5 vaccination, up from the former C3 minimum.

All pups whelped on or after that date are now required to be vaccinated at 6-8 weeks of age with a minimum C3 vaccine followed by a C5 vaccine at 10-16 weeks of age.

C3 vaccinations cover parvovirus, hepatitis and canine distemper and C5 vaccinations also cover kennel cough (parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica).

These national requirements are part of a renewed focus on animal welfare across the sport and aimed at preventing contagious diseases among greyhounds.

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s (GRV) on-line forms have now been changed to follow the new national rules. Proof of C3 vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age needs to be submitted to GRV on the vaccination form generated from the Result of Mating Notice. Proof of the C5 vaccination at 10-16 weeks of age must be submitted to GRV on the litter registration/microchipping form.

Proof of the puppy vaccinations as well as the 12-month C5 booster must be submitted to GRV on a vaccination certificate from a registered Veterinarian.

Vaccination certificates issued by a veterinary surgeon must identify the greyhound by reference to its sex, colour, ear branding and microchip identifications.

All breeders, owners and trainers are strongly encouraged by GRV to discuss vaccination options with a qualified and registered Veterinarian. For more information on vaccination options, go to: http://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/vaccination-rule-changes-kennel-cough/