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New health test packages available for 38 dog breeds
The Irish setter (pictured) is one of the 38 breeds for which health test packages are now available.

Tests allow owners to check dogs for breed's priority DNA tests

Thirty eight new CombiBreed health test packages have been introduced by The Kennel Club and equine thoroughbred registration body, Weatherbys.

The new tests are available in single and bundle packages for 41 breeds, including the American Cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, great dane, greyhound, Irish terrier, Newfoundland and bearded collie.

For a full list of breeds for which health test packages are available, please visit The Kennel Club website.

CombiBreed test packages use a single cheek swab to check a dog's DNA for all of the specific breed's priority DNA tests. Results will be automatically added to the dog's record and made available on The Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if the dog they are purchasing has come from health-tested parents.

The Kennel Club states that simplifying canine genetic health testing will help responsible breeders to combat and eventually eradicate some of the major genetic disorders affecting certain breeds.

CombiBreed test packages were first launched in 2019 and are now available for 61 dog breeds.

The tests can be used to detect a range of disorders, including:

  • sensory neuropathy, multidrug resistance gene one and trapped neutrophil syndrome in border collies
  • hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis in Irish terriers
  • exercise-induced collapse, progressive retinal atrophy and skeletal dysplasia type two in Labrador retrievers
  • phosphofructokinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy in American cocker spaniels.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk