Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th January 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New DNA test for Labradors launched
Labrador
The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age.

Labrador owners will soon be able to screen for macular corneal dystrophy

The Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust have announced a new DNA test for the genetic mutation causing macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) in Labradors.  

A non-invasive way to screen for the mutation that causes this condition, the test will be available from Monday, 26 January and will cost £48, including VAT.

MCD is an inherited eye condition which, although painless, can cause severe visual impairment in affected dogs. The mutation for MCD is recessive, which means that only dogs that inherit two copies of the mutation will be affected.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'clear', they will have no copies of the mutation. However if they are identified as 'carriers', they will have one copy of the mutation. Carriers and clears cannot develop MCD, however carriers will pass the mutation on to about half of their puppies if they produce a litter.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'genetically affected', they will have two copies of the mutation and will develop MCD around middle-age. The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age and provides a means of eliminating the causal mutation from the Labrador retriever gene pool.

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the Animal Health Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide this new test in 2015. Screening Labradors for the mutation responsible for this condition will help to identify those dogs at risk of developing MCD, and/or passing it on to their puppies.

"Dogs don’t typically develop MCD until middle age – so without a DNA test there is a chance that affected dogs are unknowingly bred from. Now, affected and carriers dogs can easily be identified through one simple test giving breeders peace of mind.

“By developing this test and encouraging screening within the Labrador population we hope that this horrible disease can now be eliminated from the breed."

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: “This test will further assist breeders of Labradors in breeding healthy, happy examples of the breed and we are delighted to be able to offer another tool to improve and maintain the breed’s health.

For more information about the test and to place an order visit: www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk.  

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.