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Kennel Club approves two new DNA testing schemes
The Kennel Club has approved two new DNA testing schemes including one for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in Rhodesian ridgebacks.
Decision follows consultation with breeds’ health co-ordinators

Two new DNA testing schemes for schnauzers and Rhodesian ridgebacks have been approved by the Kennel Club following consultation with the breeds’ health co-ordinators.

The schemes are for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition that results in the inefficient pumping of the blood, in schnauzers, and for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) in Rhodesian ridgebacks.

“These DNA tests will help to enable breeders of schnauzers and Rhodesian ridgebacks to eradicate these conditions in their respective breeds, so we would encourage anyone breeding, or thinking of breeding, to utilise the tests now available to protect and improve the health of these breeds,” said Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko.

“The Kennel Club constantly reviews DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are supported with resources which help them to make responsible breeding decisions. This will also help puppy buyers to know which conditions affect their chosen breeds so that they can ask breeders about them when they are researching getting a dog.”

To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results directly to the Kennel Club, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club adds that results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves. If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog, then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge.

DNA test certificates should be sent to Health and Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scanned and emailed to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.

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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.