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New DNA testing schemes for Labrador retrievers approved
The tests screen for two inherited eye disorders in Labrador retrievers.
The tests screen for macular corneal dystrophy and Stragadt’s disease.

Two new DNA testing schemes for Labrador retrievers have been announced by the Kennel Club following consultation with the respective breed health coordinators.

The tests screen for macular corneal dystrophy and Stargadt’s disease - two inherited eye conditions that lead to problems with sight. Results will be added to the dog's registration details, triggering the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement and on the Health Test Results Finder.

“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,” explained Dr Joanna Ilska, genetics and research manager at The Kennel Club.

“The Kennel Club works alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and is happy to consider a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists. A formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs is normally required to do this.” 

Dogs affected by macular corneal dystrophy experience a build-up of carbohydrates causing the eye surface to become cloudy. The eyes become more clouded as the condition progresses, which affects their vision.

Stargadt’s disease affects the light-sensing parts of the eyes, causing them to deteriorate and cause vision loss, dilated pupils and a reduced response to light. The condition usually worsens with age but does not usually cause complete blindness.

The diseases are described as autosomal-recessive, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. 

To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club can record results from and which labs will send the results direct to The Kennel Club, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/mcd and thekennelclub.org.uk/stgd

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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.