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Itchy dog project to tackle canine dermatitis
Only purebred Labradors and golden retrievers can be registered with the project.
Study could impact breeding methods and future treatment

Owners of Labradors and golden retrievers are being invited to take part in a new study into canine dermatitis.

Launching at Crufts, the Itchy Dog Project will be carried out by the University of Nottingham’s Vet School.

The project aims to investigate the potential genetic and environmental causes of canine atopic dermatitis and develop a strategy to reduce the number of dogs affected by the disease.

Owners are being invited to take part in the research online, even if their dog does not have a problem with itchy skin.

“We know that at least 10 per cent of dogs suffer from long-term skin allergies and it can have a serious impact on their lives, and on the owners’ lives in dealing with it,” said vet school research fellow, Dr Naomi Harvey.

“We need to collect data on both atopic (itchy) and non-atopic (non-itchy) dogs from these breeds so we can look for differences between them at a genetic, environmental and behavioural level to help us better understand the causes and impact of the disease.

“Only purebred Labradors and golden retrievers, aged three years and over, can be registered with the project.”

Owners taking part in the study will need to complete an online survey after registering their dog on the Itchy Dog website. The survey will ask questions about their dog’s health and lifestyle and should only take 10 minutes to complete.

Participants will then receive a link to a second survey by email, which will focus on their dog’s behaviour. Eligible dog owners may also be invited to provide a sample of their dog’s saliva so that researchers can analyse their DNA.

“This is a great opportunity for dog lovers to get involved in some citizen science that could have a huge impact on future treatment and possibly even breeding methods,” said professor Gary England, Dean of Nottingham Vet School.

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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. 

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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.