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Survey launched on pedigree dog heart health
“The results will allow us to direct new research to areas that require further attention – Charlotte McNamara.

The Kennel Club and the Veterinary Cardiology Society want to hear from owners. 

A survey has been launched to learn more about the types of heart disease affecting pedigree dog breeds and their prevalence.

Developed by The Kennel Club and the Veterinary Cardiology Society, the online survey is open to owners of any breed of dog.

Owners can compete one survey per dog, includings dogs that are living or have passed away. The dog does not need to have been affected by heart disease.

The information gathered through the survey will be used by researchers to better understand the need for heart testing across different breeds and to discover breed-specific nuances that could have an influence of the development of heart disease.

The results will also help researchers to decide on future areas of study. Such research plays an important role in the development of the The Kennel Club’s Breed Health and Conservation plans, which are based on thousands of research papers.

All personal information collected in the survey will remain confidential and the findings presented anonymously.

Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said: “We are asking dog owners to kindly spend a few minutes to complete the survey for all dogs owned, either now or in the past, even if they have never been affected by heart disease.

“The results will allow us to direct new research to areas that require further attention. We thank everyone for taking the time to contribute to this research and for help in improving canine heart health.”

The survey can be completed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

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.