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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th September 2013
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Breed Watch improved for dogs

Changes to pedigree breed health monitoring service

The Kennel Club's Breed Watch service has been improved to enhance the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, as well as ensuring that breed health information is properly recorded and up to date.

Physical health points of concern, such as exaggerations, for pedigree breeds are being addressed by breeders, dog clubs and the veterinary profession.

Improvements to the acknowledged points of concern are recorded via Breed Watch, which also enables people to monitor and research emerging physical traits before they become detrimental to a breed.

New changes to Breed Watch include the requirement for all championship dog show judges to report their observations of certain breeds categorised on Breed Watch to the Kennel Club, rather than just the High Profile Breeds, as of 2014.

Judges are still asked to report any visible conditions that they consider detrimental to any other breed's health, welfare and happiness. They will now be given a form at the end of each show, allowing them to record their observations for health monitoring purposes.

The Kennel Club's Dog Health Group will be in charge of feedback from judges.

Further information for Breed Watch is gathered from health surveys, dog health experts and consultations with breed clubs. This information is then used to categorise each breed as either a High Profile Breed, a breed under Breed Watch due to points of concern, or a breed with no current points of concern.

Breeds move up or down the categories as health concerns are reported or reported as no longer prevalent, along with veterinary checks and sufficient information being gathered.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: "With the gathering of more information from judges and other sources, the Kennel Club will be in a better position to understand the health of each breed and work with judges, breeders and exhibitors to take preventative action with regard to new and emerging conditions."

Click here for the Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website.

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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.