A new DNA test has been released to screen for hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis in Irish terriers and the Kromfohrlnder.

In affected dogs, the condition causes thickening and hardening of the footpads from an early age due to abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells. Fissures and cracks can appear, resulting in pain and reduced mobility for the dog.

The DNA test, called HFH-A , screens for type A hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis. It is being offered by Antagene.

According to the company, around 11 per cent of Irish terriers in Europe are carriers of the genetic mutation for hyperkeratosis.

China's leading Olympic equestrian Alex Hua Tian, has become a patron of the international horse charity World Horse Welfare.

World Horse Welfare announced the launch of its new patron scheme at a year of the horse event in Mayfair.

Other charity patrons include TV racing presenter Emma Spencer, polo player Amy Guy, and managing director of Cheltenham racecourse Ian Renton.

The year event featured a fund-raising auction hosted by TV presenter Zoe Hardman, which raised 10,000 for World Horse Welfare.

Image by Henry Bucklow/www.lazy-photography.co.uk

A new DNA testing scheme has been approved for collie eye anomaly (CEA/CH) in bearded collies. The move comes after a consultation between breed clubs and the Kennel Club.

Tests will be carried out by Optigen, who will send future test certificate results directly to the Kennel Club. The latest test results will then be added to the dog's registration details and published in the next Breed Records Supplement.

CEA is an inherited condition found in a number of breeds. It causes an abnormality at the back of the eye with varying levels of severity. In severe cases it can lead to blindness, while mildly affected dogs may have normal sight.

The number of animals being rescued from floods has doubled in just three days, according to the RSPCA. As storms continue to batter Britain, the charity says it rescued nearly 400 animals between February 10 and 13. A number of unusual rescues have also been reported, including the rescue of 40 fish and, in another incident, three chinchillas from a flooded garage.

In total, the charity's flood teams have helped 586 animals since January, 386 of which were rescued in just three days. Labour leader Ed Miliband reportedly praised the efforts as he attended a rescue scene in Wraysbury.

The RSPCA is appealing for help finding temporary homes for a group of 10 ponies affected by the weather in Hereford. Anyone able to help can contact the inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

A new symposium on veterinary wound management and antimicrobial resistance will be held at this year's European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference.

Taking place in Madrid, the symposium focuses on wound care from a One Health perspective, identifying links between veterinary and human research and management.

The aim is to encourage the sharing of knowledge between scientists, public health professionals and experts in veterinary and human wound management.

The symposium takes place on Wednesday, May 14 between 1pm and 6pm at the EWMA Conference in Madrid. Visit the EWMA website for further information about registering.

The trade organisation representing one of the biggest importers of legal wild animals into the UK, is backing a Government campaign to stop illegal trafficking.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) will be attending the Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, in London next week, to highlight the environmental and financial benefits legal trade can have on remote overseas communities as well as the UK economy.

"I'm very pleased that our industry, which is involved in the legitimate trade of wild caught marine and tropical freshwater fish, invertebrates and corals, has been invited to this high profile event," said OATA chief executive Keith Davenport.

"Not all wild caught animal trade is illegal. Our industry is one of the biggest importers of wild caught animals into the UK but this trade is perfectly legitimate and, importantly, brings a sustainable source of income that also contributes to protecting the environment for some of the world's remotest communities - trade not aid if you like. And let's not forget the financial, health and employment benefits our industry brings to the UK as well.

"We hope this message isn't lost in the midst of this very important conference which will undoubtedly shine a light on this high profile issue to protect elephants, rhinos and tigers to avoid their extinction.

We of course support this position and we support all action against wildlife crime. Indeed we've played our part in helping authorities tackle illegal activities within our own industry, such as smuggling endangered corals and clams.

"This type of illegal activity which ignores the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has no part in our industry and undermines the legal trade in wild caught species that support hundreds of thousands of honestly pursued livelihoods in some of the remotest parts of the world.

We welcome a robust enforcement of CITES regulations but we need to be careful that criminal activity should not stop the pursuit of the legitimate trade of wild caught animals."

Industry and hobbyists are encouraged to show their support for the government campaign by signing up for the online thunderclap when the conference launches on Thursday. thunderclap

The Government position, which OATA supports, can be found here