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Canine Genetics Centre Progresses
KCGC has established the carrier status of more than 11,000 dogs worldwide.

The Kennel Club Genetics Centre has established the carrier status of more than 11000 dogs, due to tests developed by the centre since its establishment at the Animal Health Trust in 2009.

The KCGC has focussed on helping dog breeders to reduce or eradicate inherited disease from their breeds, achievable through the development and provision of essential tools which minimise the risk of breeding affected puppies.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has committed £1.2 million to the genetics centre to investigate the mutations responsible for inherited diseases. So far, five different mutations associated with diseases in twenty breeds of dog have been identified.

Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the AHT, said: "The creation of the KCGC has been a huge step forward in inherited disease research in dogs. The centre has helped to focus attention on this important area and without the support of the Kennel Club and all the various breed clubs and individual breeders, we would not have made so much progress."

The KCGC set out to investigate a number of inherited diseases between 2009 and 2013. Currently, it is investigating the genetics of a wide range of inherited conditions, including idiopathic epilepsy in border collies and hereditary cataract and progressive retinal atrophy in many breeds, including Siberian huskies, miniature schnauzers and Tibetan spaniels.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.