02328-A: Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
The ever-increasing number of canine DNA tests and testing laboratories has made choosing quality DNA testing providers and the right DNA tests for health and breeding decisions challenging for dog owners, breeders and veterinarians. With no existing national or international standards of genetic testing for laboratory accreditation, or a standardization oversight group, there is a growing need for a reliable third party, a neutral organization that can provide guidance about test reliability and laboratory quality assurance. In response to this need, and with initial funding provided through generous contributions from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and the founding partners of the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), a new initiative has been launched. Called the "IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs," the initiative will provide practical support to address the challenges associated with the often confusing world of canine DNA testing. It will also strive to support consumer confidence in DNA testing, educate consumers in the use of these tests as tools to reduce the incidence of inherited disease, and reduce redundant international efforts. The initiative's aim is to create an open access, searchable and sustainable online resource for the international dog world, including breeders, dog owners and veterinarians that will: catalog information provided voluntarily from commercial test providers for genetic testing in dogs; describe expertise, quality assurance, activities and resources of the laboratories/test providers; host expert panel reviews of genetic tests, their reliability, and applicability; coordinate a program for standardized proficiency testing, and peer review; and link to and share existing and new resources for genetic counseling and education. The initiative's initial phase is already underway: the development of a working prototype of the online resource. Both the prototype and the final output will be hosted and available online to the public on the IPFD's DogWellNet.com platform. The initiative will be guided by IPFD CEO Brenda Bonnett (Brenda.Bonnett@ipfdogs.com) and Project Director Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi (Aimee.Llewellyn-Zaidi@ipfdogs.com), and will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder steering committee. Dr. Bonnett spoke to AKC Parent Club representatives and was also available to talk with breeders, veterinarians and attendees during the 2017 AKC Canine Health Foundation's National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, MO. For more information on the initiative, sponsors and participants, go to the Initiative Description on DogWellNet.com.
Publication(s)
None at this time.
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