The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) in Cocker Spaniels, following consultation with the Health Coordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.
This test is offered by Antagene (www.antagene.com) and further details can be obtained directly from them. As the Kennel Club does not have an agreement in place for the direct receipt of results from this laboratory, results can only currently be recorded upon owner submission.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "The Kennel Club is constantly reviewing DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are able to continue breeding healthy dogs.
"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for Cocker Spaniels, which will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed.
"The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs. We are happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs."
Test results will be added to the dog's registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.
If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge. Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates.
