The Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) is excited to announce the launch of a new DNA test, for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the English Shepherd Dog, a breed that has shared ancestry with the Border Collie, the Rough Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
Dr Katherine Stanbury, from the CGC, collaborated with English Shepherd owners and breeders, and with researchers from Wisdom Panel (Mars Petcare), to identify the genetic variant (mutation) that is causing this progressive and blinding disease in this breed.
A scientific paper is being prepared that will detail these findings, and a DNA test based on this newly identified mutation is available from Canine Genetics Testing, the University of Cambridge’s own canine genetics testing service.
