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New resources to help breed out hip and elbow dysplasia
It is hoped that more breeds will be added in the near future, as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs.
Two more breeds given estimated breeding values

The Kennel Club has developed new breeding resources for Newfoundlands and Dogue de Bordeaux, to help breed away from elbow and hip dysplasia.

After consultation with the breed clubs, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were created for elbow grades in Newfoundlands and hip scores in Dogue de Bordeaux.

EBVs measure genetic risk using Kennel Club data to link hip and elbow scores for individual dogs - recorded through the BVA/Kennel Club health schemes - with the available data from all of its relatives.

Originally developed with scientists from the Animal Health Trust, Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EBVs are currently available for 29 dog breeds. It is hoped that more breeds will be added in the near future, as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs.

Dr Tom Lewis, a quantitative geneticist at the Kennel Club, said: “The latest EBVs for the Newfoundland and Dogue de Bordeaux will be available as part of the Kennel Club’s online Mate Select resource, which helps breeders to make the best breeding choices.

“We hope that anyone breeding pedigree dogs, will use – and be encouraged by the veterinary community and their peers to use – Mate Select, which helps dog breeders make decisions based on robust data that estimates genetic risk, something that will undoubtedly help to protect the future of our pedigree dogs.”

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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.