|
|
|
On 16th April 2005 the Long Haired Club and the Miniature Club combined to arrange a PRA/DNA Seminar entitled ''The Way Forward''. This Seminar, which was well attended, was arranged because, after many years of research at the Animal Health Trust, we received the brilliant news that there is now available a single DNA test for PRA in miniature long haired dachshunds showing whether a dog is clear, affected or a carrier thus enabling breeders to plan a breeding programme without eliminating animals. In fact, the testing started officially on 14th February 2005.
We had two speakers, the first being Dr Cathryn
Mellersh who had been heading the DNA research for approximately the past
six years. She explained the basic research that had been undertaken over
many years at the AHT, and also with detailed explanations and diagrams in a
leaflet informed us which dogs can be mated safely.
The second speaker, Dr Jeff Sampson from the
Kennel Club, explained the part that the KC could play in helping Clubs. He
recommended that Clubs should organise an official DNA testing scheme and
gave us a great deal of helpful advice including that the KC could publish
results on their Website Health Page, Breed Supplement and including them on
registrations. All Accredited Breeders would be required to include this on
their registrations. He pointed out that testing should be considered before
breeding and that stud dog owners have a huge responsibility in any
programme, but PRA shouldn't be considered in isolation and to the exclusion
of those qualities which characterise the dachshund. It is of paramount
importance that in the effort to eradicate PRA the inherent qualities of the
dachshund are not lost or jeopardised. Dr Sampson mentioned that further
control measures may be required in the future but this would have to be
discussed amongst Dachshund Clubs.
These proposals are being put to Clubs for full
discussion for ''The Best Way Forward'' and the final decisions will be made
by the Clubs at the annual meeting of the UK Dachshund Clubs' Forum. We will
keep you informed of any further news. Trevor Watkins of the Long Haired
Club and Judy Squires of the Miniature Club are available for any enquiries
or help on this matter.
|
