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Scientists develop tool to reduce inherited disease
Labrador
Creators of the new tool say it is more effective than using hip and elbow scores alone.
Crufts launch for new hip and elbow dysplasia resource

Scientists have developed a new tool that will allow dog breeders to calculate the risk of passing down inherited conditions more efficiently.

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) have been created to help breeders reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and will be launched at Crufts this week.

This new resource uses data from the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow schemes to determine the risk of inheriting these conditions for each individual dog.

Scientists from the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, worked alongside the Kennel Club to develop the tool.

Creators say EBVs will be more effective in reducing the risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia than using elbow and hip scores alone.

Dr Tom Lewis, quantitative geneticist for AHT, explained: "We have been working with the Kennel Club for a number of years to develop EBVs.

"EBVs are a more accurate indicator of genetic predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia, because in their calculation we use the pedigree to link hip and elbow scores for an individual dog with that of all its relatives thereby making more effective use of the scoring data provided by the BVA/KC schemes.

"They allow more accurate selection since only the genetics is inherited across generations."

EBVs are now available for 15 different breeds, including the German shepherd, border collie, Labrador and Rottweiler. It is hoped this number will rise as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs the the BVA/KC schemes.

The resource has become part of the Kennel Club's existing Mate Select service - a resource that aims to help breeders to make informed choices.

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.