Originally posted by lizbud
There is already a vaccine for kennel cough, but the Massachusetts State Racing Commission does not require it, and it is unlikely it would be effective in this case, said Dr. Alexandra Lightbown, the commission's chief veterinarian. In the meantime, all greyhounds at Wonderland are being treated with antibiotics as a preventive measure.
This is correct. This appears to be a new strain. Some have levelled criticism at the state's gaming commission which seems misguided. There was no way of predicting the strength of this particular outbreak.

Ultimately, I think U.S. racing is going to have to rethink its procedures for moving and housing dogs. In Ireland and England they have far fewer incidences of the cough. One reason, I believe, is because the kennels are not on the track premises. Tracks there do not provide kenneling except pre-race quarantine. Dogs are brought in from kennels throughout the region for races and then transported back after each race. The likelihood of dogs of different kennels spreading the cough is much reduced.

I'm sure this will be a major item at the next AGTOA conference.