Submitted by J. Hudson on Fri, 29/09/2023 - 13:47
Canine Genetics Research Day welcomes dog breeders from across UK to improve the genetic health of dogs.
The University of Cambridge, together with the Kennel Club Genetics Centre, recently hosted a groundbreaking Canine Genetics Research Day at the University of Cambridge’s newly opened West Hub site.
The research day welcomed Kennel Club appointed breed health co-ordinators representing over 50 breeds of dogs from across the UK. The invited guests, which included three dogs, listened to a selection of talks and participated in Q&A sessions. The talks updated the breeders about the pioneering genetics research work being undertaken at the University, by the Kennel Club Genetics Centre.
Mike Herrtage, former Dean of the Cambridge Veterinary School and Trustee of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) said “The Charitable Trust is very proud to support the Kennel Club Genetics Centre (KCGC) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and to enable the KCGC to showcase their amazingly productive research in the field of canine genetics.”
Cathryn Mellersh, Senior Research Associate at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge said, “It was very exciting to welcome breed representatives from over 50 breeds to the Department of Veterinary Medicine for the Kennel Club’s research day. The attendees heard talks about the Kennel Club Genetics Centre’s research into inherited eye diseases, intervertebral disc disease and idiopathic epilepsy, and how this work will benefit the health of future generations of many different breeds of dogs.
“There was a lot of lively interaction, as well as feedback from the audience – so hopefully this will be an event that we will hold again.”
The day was a resounding success, building a collaborative network between the Canine Genetics Research Team at the University of Cambridge and dog breeders throughout the UK, using advances in canine genetic research to improve outcomes for the puppies of the future.