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Respiratory Function Grading training for Scottish and Welsh vets
The training day will deliver all the information required to become an assessor for the RFG scheme.
The free training is being offered by The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge.

Veterinary surgeons in Scotland and Wales are being offered free Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG) training, run by The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge. The training aims to increase the availability of the scheme for dog owners and breeders, and improve dog health.

Two training days are being held, on Wednesday 19 April in Berwickshire, Scotland, and Wednesday 3 May in Powys, Wales.

The training will include both theory and practical sessions, as well as a presentation from the scheme’s chief assessor, Dr Jane Ladlow. The sessions will deliver all the information a veterinary surgeon requires to become an assessor and offer the service to owners of brachycephalic dogs within their region. One training day is required to become an assessor, as well as annual review.

The RFG scheme aims to advise owners of bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs if their dog is affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) before surgery is considered. It also gives guidance to breeders to allow them to make informed decisions to reduce the chance of producing puppies affected by the life-limiting progressive disorder.

Health, welfare and breeder services executive at The Kennel Club, Bill Lambert said: “The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge, as well as responsible owners and breeders, collaborated to develop this ground-breaking scheme in order to help improve the health of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for generations to come, and we hope to continue to work together with vets to make this scheme more accessible and increase its impact on improving the health of these dogs. We have also funded research into BOAS in a number of other breeds with a view to extend the scheme as necessary.

“We look forward to continuing to work with vets and other collaborative parties dedicated to improving brachycephalic dog health across the board through promoting the scheme, and engaging vets, breeders and puppy buyers to raise awareness and understanding of this complex syndrome.”

Veterinary surgeons who live in Scotland or Wales, and are interested in attending a training day to become an assessor for the RFG scheme are invited to register before Monday 27 March for Scotland, and Monday 10 April for Wales.

Those who are unable to attend either of these dates can email health@thekennelclub.org.uk to be added to a waiting list for future training days.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

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Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.