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DNA testing schemes for Samoyeds approved
The schemes have been approved following consultation with the breed's health coordinator.

The schemes include a test for progressive retinal atrophy.

The Kennel Club has approved two new DNA testing schemes for Samoyeds.

The schemes are for X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 (XLPRA1) and X-linked hereditary nephritis (XLHN) and follow consultation with the breed's health coordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.

XLPRA1 is an inherited condition of the retina caused by a faulty gene on the X-chromosome.

Affected dogs experience problems with their vision that gradually worsen as their photoreceptors start to break down. The condition may affect some individuals more than others, but it can lead to total blindness. 

XLHN is an inherited condition of the kidneys that causes them to become inflamed and stop working correctly. Also triggered by a faulty gene on the X-chromosome, it can lead to kidney failure and death, often at a young age, in both male and female dogs. 

A Kennel Club spokesperson said: “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 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. DNA test certificates should be scanned and emailed to health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk”.

More information about the DNA tests and which laboratories The Kennel Club records results from is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/xlpra1 (XLPRA1) and thekennelclub.org.uk/xlhn (XLHN).

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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.