DNA control scheme for Briards
The Kennel Club (KC) has approved a new DNA control scheme for Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) in Briards.
The scheme has come at the request of the Briard Club, which hopes to eliminate the condition in the breed. As a first step to achieve this, breeders must adhere to the following protocols, set by the KC:
1. All Briards used for breeding should be either proven hereditarily clear of CSNB; or have a CSNB DNA test before they are used for breeding.
2. Identified carriers may be used for breeding providing that they are only mated to a Briard that is either hereditarily clear or DNA tested clear of CSNB. Carriers should not be mated to carriers and the Kennel Club will refuse to register any progeny resulting from such a mating.
3. All of the offspring of a carrier mated to a clear should be clearly identified, DNA tested and registered as either tested clear or a carrier.
The protocols come into effect on January 1, 2013, and as a result Briard puppies should not be affected by CSNB.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
