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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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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. 

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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.