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Kennel Club launches new DNA tests
The tests involve a cheek swab to gather DNA.
New tests will check for breed-relevant disorders.

The Kennel Club has launched a range of 87 individual DNA tests to help owners and breeders protect their dogs’ health.

Developed in association with Weatherbys Scientific, a genetics laboratory in Ireland, each test package checks for genetic markers associated with breed-relevant inherited disorders.

The results will be available on The Kennel Club website, helping breeders choose health-tested mates for their dogs and allowing puppy buyers to check that the dog they want came from health-tested parents.

Owners will also be able to learn from the results if their dog is more likely to be affected by certain disorders, helping them to prepare for any potential problems that might develop as the dog gets older.

Bill Lambert, health, welfare and breeding services executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The service extends beyond testing, with results automatically uploaded to dogs’ records, saving breeders time and effort. We also provide breeding advice as an integral part of the offering, and The Kennel Club’s specialist health team are on hand to provide tailored advice over the phone or via email.

“Importantly – and uniquely – those using The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services are directly supporting canine genetic research. Through data collection and reinvestment of all funds, owners using these services are actively contributing to a collective effort to reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases in dogs.”

Image © The Kennel Club and James Robinson

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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.