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Kennel Club launches new DNA testing service
"Those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease" - Dr Joanna Ilska.

Breed-specific testing available for 80 breeds.

The Kennel Club's new DNA Testing Services has been launched, providing owners with access to genetic health tests that are most relevant for their breed.

Developed by The Kennel Club, in partnership with Weatherbys Scientific, the tests have been created for 80 breeds, and are aimed at any owner considering breeding, or any owner interested in understanding their dog's genetics.

Dr Joanna Ilska, genetics and research manager at The Kennel Club, said: “Research has shown that the number of pedigree dogs at risk of inherited diseases can be dramatically reduced by responsible breeding, thanks to the use of DNA tests. 

“We have seen that around ten years after a DNA test becomes available, the frequency of gene mutations that caused the disease in some breeds decreases by a staggering 90 per cent, or more.

“With that in mind, we are delighted to launch The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services, which allow caring breeders and responsible owners to have a genuine and positive impact on the health of future generations of dogs, in an easy, accessible and cost-effective way.

“At the same time, those who use the service will be contributing to driving further understanding of canine genetics and disease, and the development of dog health initiatives, with all data and profits reinvested into research as part of The Kennel Club’s mission of making a difference for dogs.”

Collecting a dog's DNA sample via a cheek swab, the service then checks the DNA for markers associated with breed-relevant disorders. The results for these will be automatically registered on a dog's record, and will be made available on The Kennel Club website.

The DNA Testing Services also offer DNA profiling, providing  a unique genetic code for an individual dog, which can be used as a 'genetic fingerprint'.

Further information on the service can be found on The Kennel Club website. 

 

Image (C) The Kennel Club

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.