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: 2nd November 2022
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

Kennel Club launches new DNA testing service
"Those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease" - Dr Joanna Ilska.

Breed-specific testing available for 80 breeds.

The Kennel Club's new DNA Testing Services has been launched, providing owners with access to genetic health tests that are most relevant for their breed.

Developed by The Kennel Club, in partnership with Weatherbys Scientific, the tests have been created for 80 breeds, and are aimed at any owner considering breeding, or any owner interested in understanding their dog's genetics.

Dr Joanna Ilska, genetics and research manager at The Kennel Club, said: “Research has shown that the number of pedigree dogs at risk of inherited diseases can be dramatically reduced by responsible breeding, thanks to the use of DNA tests. 

“We have seen that around ten years after a DNA test becomes available, the frequency of gene mutations that caused the disease in some breeds decreases by a staggering 90 per cent, or more.

“With that in mind, we are delighted to launch The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services, which allow caring breeders and responsible owners to have a genuine and positive impact on the health of future generations of dogs, in an easy, accessible and cost-effective way.

“At the same time, those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease, and the development of dog health initiatives, with all data and profits reinvested into research as part of The Kennel Club’s mission of making a difference for dogs.”

Collecting a dog's DNA sample via a cheek swab, the service then checks the DNA for markers associated with breed-relevant disorders. The results for these will be automatically registered on a dog's record, and will be made available on The Kennel Club website.

The DNA Testing Services also offer DNA profiling, providing  a unique genetic code for an individual dog, which can be used as a 'genetic fingerprint'.

Further information on the service can be found on The Kennel Club website. 

 

Image (C) The Kennel Club

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

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.