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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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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.