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Kennel Club Approves DNA Test
Following a working partnership with the Dachshund Breed Council, the Kennel Club has formally released a new DNA testing scheme for the extreme eye condition GPRA cord 1.   GPRA or Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy, has several different types or strands which are inherited retinal diseases.  Cord 1 is more predominant in miniature wirehaired dachshunds, and causes a severe loss in night vision.  As the condition is incurable, a DNA test to identify the condition will prove invaluable if owners consider breeding.

The Animal Health Trust and Laboklin will provide tests and certificates of results.  In order to continually examine the presence of the condition, copies of certificates will be sent to the Kennel Club and results added to a registration database. A summary of results will be published in the Breeds Records Supplement.  The results will also appear on any future registration certificates or any future progeny of the dog.
 
If you are fully on the ball with this hereditary condition, and your dog has been DNA tested, you can send copies of the relevant test certificate to the Kennel Club, to then also be included in the database.
 
Help keep track of this condition and send you DNA test certificates to:
 
The Health & Breeder Services Department
The Kennel Club 1
5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London
W1J 8AB
 
Or if electronic is more suitable, just email gary.johnson@thekennelclub.org.uk

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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

Click here for more...
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.