Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th April 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Merle bulldogs no longer registered
Step to improve pedigree breed health

The Kennel Club (KC) has announced that it will not be registering any merle bulldogs due to health concerns.

The decision was made at the request of the Bulldog Breed Council because of the increased risk of hearing and sight impairment associated with the bulldog breed.

This association relates to a gene with two mutations; merle, which is dominant to the other gene, non-merle.

Bulldogs with the merle gene have dapple coats, which are not naturally found in the breed. These dogs are also more likely to have hearing and sight defects as a result.

Those that carry two copies of the merle gene are significantly more at risk.

The KC General Committee has therefore decided that it will no longer accept the registration of any merle bulldog puppy, in the view of health concerns.

Imported merle bulldogs will not be able to register either.

These steps are all part of the KC's effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs, as it continues to work in collaboration with breed health coordinators.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.