Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th January 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New DNA test for Labradors launched
Labrador
The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age.

Labrador owners will soon be able to screen for macular corneal dystrophy

The Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust have announced a new DNA test for the genetic mutation causing macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) in Labradors.  

A non-invasive way to screen for the mutation that causes this condition, the test will be available from Monday, 26 January and will cost £48, including VAT.

MCD is an inherited eye condition which, although painless, can cause severe visual impairment in affected dogs. The mutation for MCD is recessive, which means that only dogs that inherit two copies of the mutation will be affected.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'clear', they will have no copies of the mutation. However if they are identified as 'carriers', they will have one copy of the mutation. Carriers and clears cannot develop MCD, however carriers will pass the mutation on to about half of their puppies if they produce a litter.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'genetically affected', they will have two copies of the mutation and will develop MCD around middle-age. The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age and provides a means of eliminating the causal mutation from the Labrador retriever gene pool.

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the Animal Health Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide this new test in 2015. Screening Labradors for the mutation responsible for this condition will help to identify those dogs at risk of developing MCD, and/or passing it on to their puppies.

"Dogs don’t typically develop MCD until middle age – so without a DNA test there is a chance that affected dogs are unknowingly bred from. Now, affected and carriers dogs can easily be identified through one simple test giving breeders peace of mind.

“By developing this test and encouraging screening within the Labrador population we hope that this horrible disease can now be eliminated from the breed."

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: “This test will further assist breeders of Labradors in breeding healthy, happy examples of the breed and we are delighted to be able to offer another tool to improve and maintain the breed’s health.

For more information about the test and to place an order visit: www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk.  

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.