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Canine Genetics Centre Progresses
KCGC has established the carrier status of more than 11,000 dogs worldwide.

The Kennel Club Genetics Centre has established the carrier status of more than 11000 dogs, due to tests developed by the centre since its establishment at the Animal Health Trust in 2009.

The KCGC has focussed on helping dog breeders to reduce or eradicate inherited disease from their breeds, achievable through the development and provision of essential tools which minimise the risk of breeding affected puppies.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has committed £1.2 million to the genetics centre to investigate the mutations responsible for inherited diseases. So far, five different mutations associated with diseases in twenty breeds of dog have been identified.

Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the AHT, said: "The creation of the KCGC has been a huge step forward in inherited disease research in dogs. The centre has helped to focus attention on this important area and without the support of the Kennel Club and all the various breed clubs and individual breeders, we would not have made so much progress."

The KCGC set out to investigate a number of inherited diseases between 2009 and 2013. Currently, it is investigating the genetics of a wide range of inherited conditions, including idiopathic epilepsy in border collies and hereditary cataract and progressive retinal atrophy in many breeds, including Siberian huskies, miniature schnauzers and Tibetan spaniels.

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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.