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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

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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...
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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.