DNA Storage Programme
September 2020
Since the Animal Health Trust has been dissolved we believe that the samples in this repository have been given to the University of Cambridge Veterinary School. We are still trying to find out details and await information from the Kennel Club regarding these samples.
The IWHG is pleased to announce that we have now set up a blood repository in partnership with the Animal Health Trust (AHT). This is specifically for Irish Wolfhounds to establish a DNA database to help research into conditions affecting the breed.
This is a very exciting and important development for the future of our breed and we would urge all breeders/owners to submit blood samples from their hounds in order that we may all benefit from this in the future.
The IWHG has agreed a protocol with the AHT and this is explained below:
- The purpose of the repository will be to provide DNA samples for research into health conditions affecting Irish Wolfhounds.
- Owners submit samples in the knowledge that it is future members of the breed that are likely to benefit from any research arising and not the dogs from whom they are submitting samples.
- DNA samples become the property of the AHT with the proviso that use of the DNA samples and clinical data has to be kept within margins of research programs into canine health issues.
- If other research bodies require access to the DNA samples, then the aims of the research must be put to the Irish Wolfhound Health Group for their agreement for such access to be given.
- The data derived from the use of the DNA samples in research is to be used for the benefit of dogs and not commercial organisations seeking to use the information for other purposes.
- All information will be confidential.
Vets are not allowed to take blood purely for research purposes but they may submit surplus blood. So if your dog is undergoing any investigation that involves a blood sample, for example liver shunt testing puppies - ask your vet to keep any surplus bloods and send them in.
Please attach an official IWHG/AHT form with any samples submitted.
It is quite straightforward and instructions are on the form. If puppies being liver shunt tested are not yet KC registered, they can be identified initially by the breeder in the usual way and then once they are KC registered, those names can be notified to the AHT by the breeder.
All the breeder then has to do is notify puppy owners that the puppy's blood has been submitted to the AHT for future reference and should there be a change in the status of the dog's health later in its life, they should notify the AHT by submitting an official IWHG/AHT health status update form.
If we can store litter information in this way, it will be very valuable when trying to monitor and establish a disease's development and mode of inheritance. This is a crucial development in the research already ongoing for osteosarcoma and heart disease.
As with all such projects, all information provided will be confidential.
We hope you will support the scheme.
