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Health test for deafness extended to all breeds
Dalmation
Introduction of the programme follows the success of an official BAER testing programme for dalmations.
Follows successful BAER testing programme for dalmations

A new health testing programme for Brainstern Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) has been approved by the Kennel Club. The programme will be applicable to all pedigree dog breeds which have a known problem with congenital deafness.

Introduction of the programme follows the success of an official BAER testing programme for dalmations, which has been running for almost a year and received over 100 results.

Owners of any pedigree breed may now forward BAER results directly to the Kennel Club for recording on their dog's registration record. There are a number of specialist centres in the UK which offer BAER screening, and each dog screened is issued with a veterinary certificate stating the dogs hearing status.

Aimee Llewellyn, head of health and research at the Kennel Club, said: “It is hoped that centralising the data obtained through BAER testing will provide a clearer picture of the hearing status of breeds which have a higher risk of inherited deafness.

“The results of BAER testing could also be used to help develop tools to enable breeders to make more informed breeding decisions in the future.  One of the Kennel Club’s priorities is to the ensure that breeders are as well-equipped as possible to make responsible, informed choices to enable them to improve and maintain breed health, and we hope that expanding the BAER testing programme to all breeds will enable them to do this in the future.”

Congential deafness is usually inherited and linked to defective genes. However, its mode of inheritance is not yet understood. It is thought that inherited deafness may be influenced by more than one gene and there may be additional breed-specific factors.  Breeds most at risk include those that carry the extreme piebald gene (demonstrated by a predominantly white coat), or genes associated with merle coat colour.

For further information on BAER testing, including the programme criteria, visit  www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/579531/baer_test_programme.pdf.

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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.