DNA control scheme approved for von Willebrand disease
The Kennel Club has approved a new DNA control scheme for von Willebrand disease (vWD) in German wirehaired pointers, at the request of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club.
The purpose of the scheme is to improve the health of the breed by eliminating vWD from German wirehaired pointers.
The Kennel Club has set out protocols for breeders to adhere to, in order to breed puppies that will not be affected by the condition.
Breeders are required to undertake the following steps, which will come into effect from January 1, 2015:
1. All German wirehaired pointers that are used for breeding should be either proven hereditarily clear of vWD; or have a vWD DNA test before they are used for breeding.
2. Identified carriers may be used for breeding only if they are mated with a pointer that is either hereditarily clear or DNA tested clear of vWD. Carriers should not be mated with carriers and the Kennel Club will refuse to register any offspring that results from such a mating.
3. All of the offspring of a carrier mated to a clear pointer must be identified, DNA tested and then registered as either clear or a carrier.
Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary blood clotting defect that is prominent in a few dog breeds, including German wirehaired pointers. The bleeding disorder can prove fatal so it is important at risk dogs are screened and tested.
The Kennel Club works alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs.
For more information, please contact the Kennel Club Health and Breeder Services Department by emailing hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.
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