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New DNA test can detect multiple genetic disorders
The test packages are now available for 13 pedigree breeds.

Kennel Club partners with Weatherbys to simplify health testing 

A single cheek swab can now be used to DNA test certain dog breeds for multiple inherited diseases.

The Kennel Club has partnered with British horse racing firm Weatherbys to develop the CombiBreed health test packages, making DNA tests more accessible to breeders.

Test results will be made available on the Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if a dog has come from health tested parents.

The test packages are now available for 13 pedigree breeds: Labrador retriever, French bulldog, cocker spaniel, English springer spaniel, golden retriever, German shepherd, Staffordshire bull terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, beagle, border collie, rough collie, Chinese crested and the Australian shepherd.

Earlier this year, research by the Kennel Club and Animal Health Trust found that 10 years after each new DNA test became available, the disease-causing genetic mutation fell by 90 per cent or more in each dog breed.

Dr Tom Lewis, genetics research manager for the Kennel Club, said: “Our partnership with Weatherbys is a crucial step in improving dog health and will allow breeders to help positively impact future generations by ensuring dogs are health tested before breeding.

“The genetic tests that we have included in the Weatherbys CombiBreed packages are the result of work by the Kennel Club and Weatherbys to identify the most significant genetic diseases in individual breeds.

“The benefits of providing all relevant tests for each breed mean that puppy buyers can also feel assured that their puppy has been bred by a responsible breeder, whilst simplifying the process for breeders themselves.”

CombiBreed packages can be bought online from the Kennel Club for £135.

Image © Kennel Club

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.