Post date: Apr 18, 2011 7:45:46 PM
Press Release issued April 18th 2011:
The Dachshund Breed Council met on Sunday 10th April 2011, with representatives from fourteen clubs attending and apologies received from the other five clubs. The major part of the Council meeting agenda was devoted to health and welfare topics, with updates being presented on the current priority conditions.
The Council agreed to support two new initiatives:
To work with the Animal Health Trust to carry out a research programme to identify a possible DNA test for back problems (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
To conduct a longitudinal Breed Health Survey in order to get up-to-date information on the prevalence of health issues, age/cause of death and other breed welfare matters
The Council will need to raise approx. £10,000 to fund the DNA research programme and believes this is the breed's most important health issue to investigate. It is hoped that the Breed Survey will be carried out during 2012 and will build on the data obtained through the current health reporting system.
Dr. Cathryn Mellersh from the Animal Health Trust had provided the Council with an up-to-date summary of the research on cord1 PRA in Miniature Dachshunds and this is available on the Council's Health website. The Wirehaired Dachshund Club presented an update on the Lafora Testing situation and hopes to be able to make an announcement on the planned next steps within the next two months.
Roger Sainsbury BVM&S, MRCVS was appointed Chairman of the Council's Health and Welfare Sub-committee, following the retirement of Anne Moore. Helen Geeson joined the H&W sub-committee alongside Judy Squires, Valerie Skinner and Lesley McNaughton.
The Council also agreed to review the current lists of colours that the Kennel Club uses for its registration database following feedback from a number of breeders that a few recognised colours needed to be added.
At the Council's Annual General Meeting Ian Seath was re-elected as Chairman for a further three year term and Anne Moore was elected as Vice-Chair for a one year term.
A Newsletter will be issued by the Council with more detail of the meeting's discussions and the Minutes will be published on the Council website.
All enquiries to Lesley Brown, Secretary: secretary@dachshundbreedcouncil.org.uk