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Basset hound reclassified as 'category two' breed
basset hound
The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club.
Kennel Club decision follows breed health efforts

The basset hound has been reclassified as a category two breed under the Kennel Club's Breed Watch scheme, which acts as a warning system for health concerns in individual dog breeds. Previously, basset hounds came under category three - a list of the breeds with the most serious identified conformational problems.

Taking effect on 1 January 2017, the reclassification means basset hounds who win 'best of breed' or their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows. The move follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club's Dog Health Group, which has been following the health of the breed.

This breed is the fourth to be removed from category three, leaving 11 breeds on the list.

Breed health co-ordinator Tina Watkins commented: "The Basset Hound Health Group is committed to working on the health of the breed, supporting research and health education. We are encouraged that these efforts have been recognised. The real work begins now and I am sure this will continue with the dedication developed within the breed to progress."

Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko added: "We would like to commend the dedication, passion and commitment of those basset hound owners and exhibitors who have participated in the Basset Hound Health Scheme and other health testing.

"The basset hound clubs and their health group have worked hard to ensure their community have been involved in all health initiatives undertaken by the breed."

The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club. The breed health co-ordinator will still be required to to submit a comprehensive annual report on the breed's health and judges must continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.

The Kennel Club will also work with breed representatives on the development of the breed health and conservation plans.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.