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New DNA test for Beagles
Results used to fight degenerative disorder

Scientists from the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) have successfully identified a genetic mutation which causes a severe progressive neurological disorder in Beagles.

A DNA test for Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degenerations (NCCD) has been launched, which could eliminate the condition before it becomes a widespread problem in the breed in the UK.

The NCCD mutation is rare in the UK and the AHT estimates around five out of every one hundred Beagles are probably carriers. Carriers, which are dogs with a single copy of the mutation, will not suffer from NCCD but dogs with two copies of the mutation, resulting from a mating between two carriers, will suffer from the disease.

Steve Dean, Kennel Club Chairman said: “We are delighted that scientists at the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust have been able to develop a DNA test at such an early stage, which will help to ensure that breeders can breed dogs that are free from the condition in the future.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."