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DNA control scheme for Briards
Kennel Club takes steps to improve breed health

The Kennel Club (KC) has approved a new DNA control scheme for Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) in Briards.

The scheme has come at the request of the Briard Club, which hopes to eliminate the condition in the breed. As a first step to achieve this, breeders must adhere to the following protocols, set by the KC:

1. All Briards used for breeding should be either proven hereditarily clear of CSNB; or have a CSNB DNA test before they are used for breeding.



2. Identified carriers may be used for breeding providing that they are only mated to a Briard that is either hereditarily clear or DNA tested clear of CSNB. Carriers should not be mated to carriers and the Kennel Club will refuse to register any progeny resulting from such a mating.



3. All of the offspring of a carrier mated to a clear should be clearly identified, DNA tested and registered as either tested clear or a carrier.

The protocols come into effect on January 1, 2013, and as a result Briard puppies should not be affected by CSNB.

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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

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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.