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Canine experts launch ‘revolutionary’ DNA test
DNA
“This holds great promise for taking science outside the lab, to make discoveries that impact animal, and likely human, health.”
Tracks over 200,000 genetic markers

A canine DNA test, designed to be the most comprehensive pet genetic test on the market, is set to ‘revolutionise’ the genetic testing market.

Developed by leading experts in dog and consumer genetics, the Embark Dog DNA Test tracks over 200,000 genetic markers, giving an extensive overview of both genetic disease risk and heritable traits.

It is hoped the information will help dog owners understand their pet’s health, plan for its future and provide the best possible personalised care.

Embark founders Adam and Ryan Boyko will describe their test at a South by SouthWest panel titled “Can Your Dog’s DNA Transform Human Health and Ageing?” on Tuesday, March 15.

“As lifelong partners in pet health, we started Embark to develop platforms that allow pet owners to become involved in genetic research and to provide the breakthroughs from that research right back to those owners,” said CEO Ryan Boyko.

“This holds great promise for taking science outside the lab, to make discoveries that impact animal, and likely human, health.”

“Dogs were the first domesticated animal species, and have lived and worked alongside humans for over 15,000 years,” added Dr. Adam Boyko, chief science officer and assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the Cornell veterinary college.

“Our canine friends are diagnosed with many of the same diseases as people and share our homes and environment. That makes them a particularly valuable model species for understanding cancer, immune disorders, behaviour and ageing.”

Customers who join the waiting list at www.embarkvet.com will be among the first to buy the test when it becomes available next month.  

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.