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Kennel Club appoints new genetics research manager
Dr Joanna J. Ilska (pictured) has worked as a quantitative geneticist for a number of years.

Dr Joanna J. Ilska specialises in prediction of breeding values for complex traits.

The Kennel Club has announced that quantitative geneticist Dr Joanna J. Ilska has joined the organisation as its new genetics research manager. She replaces Dr Tom Lewis who has moved on to work with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Joanna was born in Poland and has lived in the UK for 15 years. In 2008, she completed a BSc in Applied Biosciences (Animal Science). She then achieved a Masters in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis at the University of Edinburgh in 2009.

In 2014 she completed her PhD in genomic prediction of breeding values in broiler chickens at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. She then went on to work as a research fellow on a range of projects. She specialises in the prediction of breeding values for complex traits, using large scale genomic data such as whole genome sequences.

Currently, Joanna lives in Edinburgh with another Russian black terrier. She has a keen interest in obedience and nosework and was even part of a team representing Scotland in the Inter-regional Obedience competition at Crufts 2013.

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at The Kennel Club, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanna to The Kennel Club.

“With her academic and professional background in quantitative genetics and knowledge of prediction of breeding values for complex traits, coupled with her hands-on involvement as a pedigree dog owner, we feel confident that Joanna will be a great asset to The Kennel Club as well as to the wider dog world.”

Image (c) The Kennel Club.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
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Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com