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New DNA reporting schemes for Shetland sheepdogs
The Kennel Club has announced two new DNA reporting schemes for PRA in the Shetland sheepdog.

Schemes test for two forms of progressive retinal atrophy. 

Two new official DNA test reporting schemes for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the Shetland sheepdog have been agreed by the Kennel Club in consultation with the Breed Health Coordinator.

The schemes are for two forms of PRA - PRA (BBS2-PRA) and PRA (CNGA1-PRA), both of which are described as autosomal-recessive conditions. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is likely to be affected.

PRA is an inherited condition that leads to the gradual loss of vision in both eyes. It causes parts of the eye that are light-sensitive to break down, eventually leading to blindness. PRA can affect many dog breeds, and while the clinical effects are usually similar, each breed's version of PRA is often caused by a diffident genetic mutation.

Dogs tested for PRA will be recorded as 'clear', 'carrier' or 'affected'. The Kennel Club writes: 'To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, please refer to the worldwide DNA testing list at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/worldwide-dna-tests. Please note that this listing is not necessarily comprehensive and other labs may offer the tests.

'The Kennel Club constantly reviews DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are supported with resources which help them to make responsible breeding decisions.'

It continues: '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 result 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, which should be scanned and emailed to health.results@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.