Give A Dog A Genome

Give a Dog A Genome is a recent initiative launched by the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the AHT to create the UK's largest canine genome bank to help generations of dogs. This genome bank will improve dog health by radically increasing understanding of the canine genome. The aim is to sequence the entire genomes (all 2.4 billion letters of DNA) of 50 different dog breeds by the end of 2016. The AHT has been appealing to dog breed communities to donate £1000 towards this project and is matching each donation with funding provided by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust. In return, the breed will represent one of the 50 genomes sequenced and will help to make a significant contribution to the future of canine genetics research.

We are delighted that The Irish Red Setter Charitable Trust has funded this for our breed and have confirmation that we have been included in the 50 breeds. Sequencing the Irish Setter genome will aid future research into inherited disease.  We look forward to hearing how the research progresses.

Further information can be found on the AHT website:  www.aht.org.uk/gdg

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Compulsory Microchipping Law with effect from 6th April 2016. 

On 6th April 2016, in England, Scotland and Wales, it became law for all dogs to be microchipped.

All puppies must be microchipped before they are 8 weeks old and

it is illegal to sell a puppy which is not microchipped and part of a registered database.

The breeder must always be the first recorded keeper of the puppies.

All relevant documents, including microchip details, must be passed to the purchaser (keeper).

It is the keeper's responsibility to keep their details updated on the databases.

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ALERT

Caterpillar of the oak processionary moth. 

Extract from an article on The Forestry Commission website:

People in parts of London and Surrey are being reminded not to approach caterpillars of the oak processionary moths which are now emerging from oak trees in these areas. They are also being advised to keep children and animals away from the caterpillars and their nests, because the caterpillars' hairs can cause itching skin rashes and other health problems. The public is urged to report any sightings.

 Further information can be found at:

www.forestry.gov.uk 

These caterpillars can cause serious health problems in dogs.

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KC/AHT Bloat Survey.

The AHT/KC survey of Irish setters last year, with financial support of the JISBC, was aimed primarily at gathering evidence to prove that bloat is heritable. If proven, DNA samples could then be evaluated for possible genetic markers. However, it was always understood that it was very unlikely to be a simple inheritance (i.e. single gene mutation) pattern. Whilst there may be genetic susceptibility, environmental factors are likely to play a significant role.

Regrettably, although the results raised a suspicion that there is an inherited component to the condition, confounding factors prevented the results reaching statistical significance and therefore proof. The number of respondents and the fact that some of the dogs alive at the time of the survey may go on to develop bloat later in life confounded any clear conclusion.

The recommendation must therefore be that the breed prospectively collects DNA samples from dogs that suffer bloat. Whilst this outcome is disappointing, it is recommended that we work with the AHT to collect DNA samples and pedigrees of dogs when they suffer bloat confirmed by surgery or post mortem.

As you will be aware, the survey also gathered information on a number of other conditions. This data has not yet been analysed, but I have asked Tom Lewis (KC, formerly AHT) to analyse results pertaining to megaoesophagus and epilepsy, where it is more likely that heritability can be proven.

Ed Hall

Chairman, Joint Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Committee

22/3/2015

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Joint Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Committee

We have recently been informed of an Irish Setter in mainland Europe which has been confirmed as being PRA RCD-1 affected.  Of course, since 2011 all Irish Setters  registered in UK must be either tested clear or hereditarily clear, but this is not the case in other countries.

Our advice is that if you are importing an Irish Setter (or semen) into the UK, that you check its RCD 1 status. 

Professor EJ Hall

Chairman, Joint  Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Committee

September 2014

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Hannes Lohi and his team at Helsinki University are

carrying out research  into epilepsy in Irish  Setters.

 RESEARCH – DNA SAMPLES NEEDED! 

See our article to find out if you can help.

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Kennel Club/Animal Health Trust Genotyping Project

See the article giving information about this project from AHT

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The AHT are investigating mystery New Forest Dog Deaths and are appealing to owners who walk in the Fordingbridge area of The New Forest

http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/april13enews.html#akf

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Please look at our article on Saying Goodbye.

Maybe you can help the breed.