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Scientists develop tool to reduce inherited disease
Labrador
Creators of the new tool say it is more effective than using hip and elbow scores alone.
Crufts launch for new hip and elbow dysplasia resource

Scientists have developed a new tool that will allow dog breeders to calculate the risk of passing down inherited conditions more efficiently.

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) have been created to help breeders reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and will be launched at Crufts this week.

This new resource uses data from the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow schemes to determine the risk of inheriting these conditions for each individual dog.

Scientists from the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, worked alongside the Kennel Club to develop the tool.

Creators say EBVs will be more effective in reducing the risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia than using elbow and hip scores alone.

Dr Tom Lewis, quantitative geneticist for AHT, explained: "We have been working with the Kennel Club for a number of years to develop EBVs.

"EBVs are a more accurate indicator of genetic predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia, because in their calculation we use the pedigree to link hip and elbow scores for an individual dog with that of all its relatives thereby making more effective use of the scoring data provided by the BVA/KC schemes.

"They allow more accurate selection since only the genetics is inherited across generations."

EBVs are now available for 15 different breeds, including the German shepherd, border collie, Labrador and Rottweiler. It is hoped this number will rise as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs the the BVA/KC schemes.

The resource has become part of the Kennel Club's existing Mate Select service - a resource that aims to help breeders to make informed choices.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.