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Success for hip and elbow dysplasia schemes
Labrador
The latest data shows a sustained reduction in the incidence and severity of hip and elbow dysplasia in screened dogs.
Data suggests dog health is improving thanks to screening

Screening for hip and elbow dysplasia in breeding dogs is having a positive outcome for canine health,  the BVA and Kennel Club said as they revealed a decline in the incidence and severity of these conditions.

Hip and elbow dysplasia schemes are run jointly by the two organisations. Using the test results, owners and breeders can make informed choices about whether to breed certain dogs, helping to produce healthier puppies and eliminate these inherited problems.

The latest data shows a sustained reduction in the incidence and severity of hip and elbow dysplasia in screened dogs.

In the past 15 years, improvements can be seen in the median hip scores of 20 out of 21 of of the most-scored breeds. The remaining breed, the Tibetan terrier, has maintained a low score for this period.

Results from the elbow dysplasia scheme, dating back to 1998, show a higher percentage of dogs from all breeds are achieving a grade 0 (normal elbows) and fewer dogs are being scored 1, 2 and 3 (affected).

BVA president Sean Wensley said: "The latest statistics from Canine Health Schemes clearly demonstrate that responsible breeding, supported by testing, can make a difference to the health and welfare of dogs.
 
“Health considerations are particularly important when it comes to mating, and it is vital that the risk of passing on inherited conditions is continually reduced.

"The hip and elbow dysplasia tests are extremely useful tools for breeders and vets, both of whom want to ensure the health and welfare of future generations of dogs."




 

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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.