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New annual breed averages for inbreeding released
labrador
Data provides a more effective means of monitoring yearly change

The Kennel Club has released a new set of annual breed averages for the coefficient of inbreeding (COIs).  Available on its free online health resource, Mate Select,  it is hoped that the averages will help breeders to continue to make responsible choices when choosing which dogs to use for breeding.

Previously the breed average calculations were based on all dogs recorded by the Kennel Club during the previous year. This included imported dogs, dogs that form part of an overseas pedigree but are not necessarily registered with the Kennel Club, dogs born one year and registered the next, and dogs registered late (over a year old).

Following feedback from users, the Kennel Club has reviewed and recalculated the COIs on Mate Select to reflect just those dogs born and registered within the UK in a given year. In future, this calculation will be carried out each June and will generate  the annual breed average using Kennel Club registered dogs born in the UK between January and December of the previous year. Using this data will provide a more effective means of monitoring yearly change, than by using the average of all recorded dogs in each breed.

The Kennel Club say that the changes do not impact on any individual dog's inbreeding coefficient, nor the COIs of hypothetical matings.

Of the 206 breeds using the new calculation, the annual breed average COI has decreased for nine breeds and stays the same for an additional 12.  Five breeds did not have any dogs born in the UK in 2013, therefore the current breeding average COI is based on the most recent year in which an annual breed average could be calculated.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary said: "We believe that these new annual breed averages will not only help breeders to continue to make responsible choices when choosing which dogs to use for breeding, but also show the effect that these decisions have for their breed year-on-year."

Further information on COIs and the Kennel Club’s Mate Select resource can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk services/public/mateselect or by emailing mateselect@thekennelclub.org.uk.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.