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Lafora DNA testing to become ABS requirement
Dachshund
Lafora DNA testing will be an assured breeder scheme requirement for miniature wirehaired dachshunds from 2015.

Changes come into effect from January 2015

Lafora DNA testing will be an assured breeder scheme requirement for miniature wirehaired dachshunds from 2015, the Dachshund Breed Council has announced.

The change is effective from January 1, 2015 and Assured Breeders have a period of grace of six months in order to come into line with these new requirements and/or recommendations.

The Dachshund Breed Council say that there is now "no excuse for ANY breeder to say 'its not a big problem and the test is just recommendation'".

The Kennel Club are expected to announce full details of the changes shortly.

The Lafora Screening Test analysed the latest set of litter registrations from the Kennel Club's Breed Records Supplement.

In the Autumn 2014 quarter, 67 per cent of litters bred were "safe" (i.e. will not contain affected puppies). The Dachshund Breed Council's probability model suggests that, of the 184 puppies born in the quarter, five can be expected to have Lafora's disease.

The model predicts that 45 affected puppies will have been bred in the last two years by people either not using the available test, or mating unsafe combinations of tested and untested dogs.

Image (C) Dachshund Breed Council

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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.