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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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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.