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New health test packages available for 38 dog breeds
The Irish setter (pictured) is one of the 38 breeds for which health test packages are now available.

Tests allow owners to check dogs for breed's priority DNA tests

Thirty eight new CombiBreed health test packages have been introduced by The Kennel Club and equine thoroughbred registration body, Weatherbys.

The new tests are available in single and bundle packages for 41 breeds, including the American Cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, great dane, greyhound, Irish terrier, Newfoundland and bearded collie.

For a full list of breeds for which health test packages are available, please visit The Kennel Club website.

CombiBreed test packages use a single cheek swab to check a dog's DNA for all of the specific breed's priority DNA tests. Results will be automatically added to the dog's record and made available on The Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if the dog they are purchasing has come from health-tested parents.

The Kennel Club states that simplifying canine genetic health testing will help responsible breeders to combat and eventually eradicate some of the major genetic disorders affecting certain breeds.

CombiBreed test packages were first launched in 2019 and are now available for 61 dog breeds.

The tests can be used to detect a range of disorders, including:

  • sensory neuropathy, multidrug resistance gene one and trapped neutrophil syndrome in border collies
  • hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis in Irish terriers
  • exercise-induced collapse, progressive retinal atrophy and skeletal dysplasia type two in Labrador retrievers
  • phosphofructokinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy in American cocker spaniels.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk