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Kennel Club launches new DNA testing service
"Those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease" - Dr Joanna Ilska.

Breed-specific testing available for 80 breeds.

The Kennel Club's new DNA Testing Services has been launched, providing owners with access to genetic health tests that are most relevant for their breed.

Developed by The Kennel Club, in partnership with Weatherbys Scientific, the tests have been created for 80 breeds, and are aimed at any owner considering breeding, or any owner interested in understanding their dog's genetics.

Dr Joanna Ilska, genetics and research manager at The Kennel Club, said: “Research has shown that the number of pedigree dogs at risk of inherited diseases can be dramatically reduced by responsible breeding, thanks to the use of DNA tests. 

“We have seen that around ten years after a DNA test becomes available, the frequency of gene mutations that caused the disease in some breeds decreases by a staggering 90 per cent, or more.

“With that in mind, we are delighted to launch The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services, which allow caring breeders and responsible owners to have a genuine and positive impact on the health of future generations of dogs, in an easy, accessible and cost-effective way.

“At the same time, those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease, and the development of dog health initiatives, with all data and profits reinvested into research as part of The Kennel Club’s mission of making a difference for dogs.”

Collecting a dog's DNA sample via a cheek swab, the service then checks the DNA for markers associated with breed-relevant disorders. The results for these will be automatically registered on a dog's record, and will be made available on The Kennel Club website.

The DNA Testing Services also offer DNA profiling, providing  a unique genetic code for an individual dog, which can be used as a 'genetic fingerprint'.

Further information on the service can be found on The Kennel Club website. 

 

Image (C) The Kennel Club

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.