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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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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.