Schemes test for two forms of progressive retinal atrophy.
Two new official DNA test reporting schemes for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the Shetland sheepdog have been agreed by the Kennel Club in consultation with the Breed Health Coordinator.
The schemes are for two forms of PRA - PRA (BBS2-PRA) and PRA (CNGA1-PRA), both of which are described as autosomal-recessive conditions. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is likely to be affected.
PRA is an inherited condition that leads to the gradual loss of vision in both eyes. It causes parts of the eye that are light-sensitive to break down, eventually leading to blindness. PRA can affect many dog breeds, and while the clinical effects are usually similar, each breed's version of PRA is often caused by a diffident genetic mutation.
Dogs tested for PRA will be recorded as 'clear', 'carrier' or 'affected'. The Kennel Club writes: 'To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, please refer to the worldwide DNA testing list at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/worldwide-dna-tests. Please note that this listing is not necessarily comprehensive and other labs may offer the tests.
'The Kennel Club constantly reviews DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are supported with resources which help them to make responsible breeding decisions.'
It continues: 'Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.
Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves, which should be scanned and emailed to health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk'
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
