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Officials have warned owners and trainers about an apparent contagious illness that has hit the south east Queensland greyhound industry.

Officials have warned of an apparently contagious sickness which has hit the greyhound industry in Queensland.

In the past week several greyhounds have exhibited signs of the illness and on Tuesday eight greyhounds were scratched because of illness.

At this stage the illness appears to be confined to greyhounds in south east Queensland, but as it is in its early stages, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has issued a warning to all trainers and owners.

QRIC veterinarians are investigating the cause of the sickness which includes vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature and lethargy.

Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services director, Dr Martin Lenz, said at this stage it has not been determined what the illness is but it appears to be contagious.

The south east Queensland greyhound meeting at Ipswich went ahead on Tuesday as scheduled after several greyhounds were scratched.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said veterinary staff and stewards would take precautions to minimise the spread of the illness from greyhound to greyhound with the wearing of protective equipment and they would check every competing greyhound at the Ipswich meeting.

"Any dog with an elevated temperature will be scratched from racing," he said.

"While the races will continue, owners and trainers should be aware there is the potential they will be racing against a dog that has yet to be diagnosed with this illness."

"We cannot hide from the risk if you bring a greyhound to race but be assured that the commission is doing everything it can to limit the spread of the illness."