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New Insights for Mixed Breed Dog Population?
DIY DNA kits may offer insights for mixed breed owners.
A newly launched cheek swab DNA test may help owners better understand and care for their loveable mutts.

Where does Max get his curly tail from? Why does he love digging holes in the garden? A dog’s DNA holds many answers. The new do-it-yourself doggy DNA test kit from Mars Veterinary, namely Wisdom Panel Insights, made its debut today at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress.
 
Roughly one million dogs in the UK are mixed breed and it’s likely that many owners are unsure of their pet’s breed composition. With the simple swipe of a cheek swab, Wisdom Panel Insights can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 170 breeds, the largest database of any canine DNA test on the market. Within three weeks, dog owners will be e-mailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog’s genetic background.
 
A dog’s ancestry can influence him in surprising ways. Obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviours like digging, herding and barking all come from the various breeds in a dog’s family tree. Once an owner understands a dog’s natural tendencies, it makes it possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs.
 
“We’re excited to give dog owners easy and affordable access to the best-in-class canine genetic analysis to help them understand what breeds make their dog so special,” said Neale Fretwell, PhD, Director, Research and Development at Mars Veterinary and one of world’s foremost experts on companion animal genetics. “But it’s not just about curiosity.  The smarter you are about your dog’s past, the smarter you can be about his future.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.