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Kennel Club announce new DNA test for cocker spaniels
Cocker spaniel
Acral mutilation syndrome leads to lesions on distal extremities caused by self-mutilation.

New test will be offered by Antagene

A new DNA testing scheme for Acral Mutilation Syndrome in cocker spaniels has been approved following consultation with the health co-ordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.

The Kennel Club say that the new test, offered by Antagene, will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enabling potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary said: “The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs. We are happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs.”

Acral Mutilation Syndrome is a rare genetic sensory neuropathy of dogs that leads to lesions on distal extremities caused by self-mutilation.  

Currently results of the test can only be recorded upon owner submission as the Kennel Club does not have an agreement in place with Antagene for the direct receipt of results.  

Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The results will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. 

Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.

If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge.

For more information visit  http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.