The
Scientific Commission of NKU (Nordic Kennel Union) has worked out a strategy on
DNA-tests in
dog breeding, approved by the commission meeting in Iceland November
2014.
The
availability of genetic tests for different diseases in dogs has increased
dramatically in
recent
years. For breeders and dog owners, the utility and accuracy of these tests are
often
difficult to assess. Even though DNA tests offer new opportunities as a tool
for
breeding,
they also imply new questions and challenges. The fact that a genetic test is
available
for a disease in a breed does not automatically mean that the test is accurate
or
appropriate
to use as basis for breeding decisions. The Scientific Committee of the Nordic
Kennel Union
(NKU/VK) would like to stress that genetic testing in dogs should be used
with common
sense and caution. The points described in the document should serve as
guidelines
for breeders and dog owners regarding the use of genetic tests.
Astrid
Indrebø gave a presentation of the document, which was sent out with the
agenda.
FCI Breeding
Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 6
BC
discussion:
BC was happy
with the presentation; the information given in the document is of great
value.
Updating
from the delegates:
Belgium
informed that the Flemish government have mandatory DNA-testing of a list of
breeds.
Netherlands
informed that they are not allowed to breed with unhealthy dogs, an animal
rights group
have said that French bulldog is not healthy – court case? The outcome of
this case is
very important, for if this goes through, other breeds will follow.
Switzerland:
The government has made a decision not to ban any breeds. All breeders of
dogs, which
includes both pedigree dogs and mixed breeds, is responsible for their
breeding.
They have to be able to document their dogs and their offspring, and prove that
they do what
they can to avoid and reduce problems.
The kennel
clubs all agreed that we only should breed healthy dogs, however it is our
responsibility
to marked that one should focus on unhealthy dogs, not unhealthy breeds.
The national
kennel clubs must take action.
An
international statement should be made, which the national kennel clubs can
show to
the
Governments and others that we are working on an international basis.
We have
different breeds for different functions “Dogs fit for original function” –
functional
in modern society.
It should be
focused on all dogs, not only pedigree dogs.
FCI Breeding
Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 7
BC decision:
The
president will make a proposal for a statement, based on the NKU-document. The
statement
will be sent to the delegates after the meeting. The delegates are asked to use
these
statements in their own kennel club/breed clubs regarding the use of genetic
tests in
dog
breeding. The statements should also be available on the FCI web-site.
Statement
(made by the president after the meeting and sent to the delegates for
approval.
The statements were approved):
The FCI
Breeding Commission fully support the document made by the NKU Scientific
Commission
(NKU/VK) regarding the use of genetic tests in dog breeding.
We want to
highlight the following statements from the NKU/VK-document, and
encourage
the kennel clubs and breed clubs to make it available to all dog owners:
1. The
genetic testing in dogs should be used with common sense and caution.
2. A dog
showing clinical symptoms of a serious disease should not be used for breeding
– regardless
of genetic test results.
3. There is
a need for further efforts from the international dog community to support
dog breeders
and owners with respect to validation and guidance on the use of
genetic
tests.
4. The FCI
Breeding Commission advice against the use of genetic tests for conditions
where the
inheritance is unclear.
Tests for
diseases that are influenced by many genes should be applied only in cases
where
evidence based on scientific publications has established that the mutation(s)
cause a
significant and defined risk of disease, and provided that the disease is of
clinical
relevance in the breed concerned.
5. The FCI
Breeding Commission are reluctant to promote the use of multi-tests and
combination
test packages currently available.
This
position is based on shortcomings in validation and/or relevance for some of
the
mutations in
the package as well as the potential negative consequences on the
overall
breeding goal that uncritical use of genetic tests are likely to cause.
Instead, it
should be recommended to the breeders and dog owners to test for the
specific
mutation(s) that are relevant in the current breed, provided that these tests
are
validated.
6. The FCI
Breeding Commission would like to emphasize the importance of breeders
and/or dog
owners carefully evaluating the usefulness and accuracy of a genetic test
before it is
performed. Only use the tests that are properly evaluated and for
conditions
of clinical relevance in the breed.
No dog, or
any other living creatures, are completely free of disease mutations.
Uncritical
use of DNA tests may in the worst case result in negative effects on the
breed’s
health and gene pool.
Please
contact your breed club or kennel club for more information if you are
doubtful.
7. General
statement
The FCI
breeding commission fully supports the following statements from the
Scientific
Commission of the Nordic Kennel Union, concerning the general policy
regarding
the application of genetic tests in dog breeding.
a. Genetic
testing are excellent tool in breeding for improved health provided that
the tests
are reliable, relevant and used wisely.
FCI Breeding
Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 8
b. Breeders
and dog owners should carefully evaluate the benefits and
consequences
of a genetic test before it is applied.
c. A
one-side or exaggerated focus on DNA test results may result in an increase
risk that
other important conditions or characteristics are overlooked.
d. We would
like to emphasize that the breeding program should be based on the
prevalence
and severity of various health issues rather than on the availability
of genetic
tests.
e. If a
disease does not constitute a clinical problem in the breed and/or the
genetic test
is not validated or accurate, it is better to refrain from the testing
of the dog.
Otherwise,
there is a risk of excluding potential breeding animals and
decreasing
the genetic variation, based on uncertain or false grounds.
f. Keep in
mind that dog breeding is about more than specific diseases and
genetic
tests that even though they are many they do not give the entire
picture
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