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DNA test developed for English shepherd disease
“It’s about prevention, rather than a cure, and it means a huge amount to the people who breed these dogs” – Katherine Stanbury.
Testing could eliminate progressive retinal atrophy in breed.

Scientists have developed a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy in English shepherd dogs after discovering the genetic mutation which causes it.

The inherited disease causes progressive degeneration of light sensitive cells at the back of the eye, leading to dogs becoming completely blind by the age of four or five. There is currently no treatment for it.

The new test will allow breeders to avoid passing on the genetic mutation to puppies, allowing the disease to be eliminated from the breed’s population.

The researchers from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine analysed DNA samples from six English shepherds which had progressive retinal atrophy and 20 which did not have the disease.

Using whole genome sequencing, the team were able to pinpoint the mutation responsible.

The genetic mutation is recessive, meaning it only causes the disease if it inherits a copy from both of its parents. When two dogs carrying the disease are bred together, there is a roughly one in four chance that the puppy will become blind.

The test has been made commercially available to help breeders avoid breeding dogs that will inherit the disease.

Katherine Stanbury, first author of the study, said: “For the price of a decent bag of dog food people can now have their English shepherd tested for progressive retinal atrophy prior to breeding.

“It’s about prevention, rather than a cure, and it means a huge amount to the people who breed these dogs. They no longer need to worry about whether the puppies are going to be healthy or are going to develop this horrible disease in a few years’ time.”

The study has been published in the journal Genes.

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.