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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th April 2013
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PCD in old English sheepdogs
DNA testing scheme approved for breeders

The Kennel Club (KC) has approved an official DNA testing scheme for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in old English sheepdogs.

PCD is an abnormality in the dog's respiratory tract, inherited by a mutant gene, which causes regular infections.

Since the mutant gene can be easily identified, testing is being encouraged in old English sheepdogs – a breed particularly susceptible to the condition.

Testing involves taking a simple cheek swab and sending it for analysis.

While more information can be found on the main old English sheepdog club websites, testing kits are only available directly from two companies; Antagene, based in France, and Genomia in the Czech Republic.

Once results are given, the owner is advised to submit a copy to the KC so it can be recorded with the dog's registration certificate. Owners that include their original registration certificate will be issued a new one that displays the results.

Those dogs that have been tested will also then be added to the UK's Old English Sheepdog Club database.

Click here for more information from the KC.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.