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PCD in old English sheepdogs
DNA testing scheme approved for breeders

The Kennel Club (KC) has approved an official DNA testing scheme for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in old English sheepdogs.

PCD is an abnormality in the dog's respiratory tract, inherited by a mutant gene, which causes regular infections.

Since the mutant gene can be easily identified, testing is being encouraged in old English sheepdogs – a breed particularly susceptible to the condition.

Testing involves taking a simple cheek swab and sending it for analysis.

While more information can be found on the main old English sheepdog club websites, testing kits are only available directly from two companies; Antagene, based in France, and Genomia in the Czech Republic.

Once results are given, the owner is advised to submit a copy to the KC so it can be recorded with the dog's registration certificate. Owners that include their original registration certificate will be issued a new one that displays the results.

Those dogs that have been tested will also then be added to the UK's Old English Sheepdog Club database.

Click here for more information from the KC.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 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.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.