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Kennel Club launches new DNA tests
The tests involve a cheek swab to gather DNA.
New tests will check for breed-relevant disorders.

The Kennel Club has launched a range of 87 individual DNA tests to help owners and breeders protect their dogs’ health.

Developed in association with Weatherbys Scientific, a genetics laboratory in Ireland, each test package checks for genetic markers associated with breed-relevant inherited disorders.

The results will be available on The Kennel Club website, helping breeders choose health-tested mates for their dogs and allowing puppy buyers to check that the dog they want came from health-tested parents.

Owners will also be able to learn from the results if their dog is more likely to be affected by certain disorders, helping them to prepare for any potential problems that might develop as the dog gets older.

Bill Lambert, health, welfare and breeding services executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The service extends beyond testing, with results automatically uploaded to dogs’ records, saving breeders time and effort. We also provide breeding advice as an integral part of the offering, and The Kennel Club’s specialist health team are on hand to provide tailored advice over the phone or via email.

“Importantly – and uniquely – those using The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services are directly supporting canine genetic research. Through data collection and reinvestment of all funds, owners using these services are actively contributing to a collective effort to reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases in dogs.”

Image © The Kennel Club and James Robinson

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.