(Updated 19/7/01)

Multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD)
& Kennel Club publication of eye scheme results

Last November, a memorandum was sent to all Clubs and Councils of breeds on Schedule 1 of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for the condition of multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD).

The memo invited Clubs to consider whether or not they would like The Kennel Club to change the way in which results of MRD are reported in their breed, in the same way as has been agreed for Golden Retrievers (i.e. although MRD is still a Schedule 1 condition for the breed, results are no longer published on registration documents and are published separately in the Breed Records Supplement).

The Clubs approached were those of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Hungarian Puli, Rottweiler (Breed Council), American Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel. To date acknowledgement or responses have only been received from five Clubs (the three American Cocker Spaniel Clubs and two Cavalier Clubs).

It is recognised that the Foot and Mouth outbreak has necessitated re-scheduling of club AGMs and Committee meetings, which are essential to provide a democratic response to the initial memorandum and remaining clubs are encouraged to take the time needed to respond appropriately. The Kennel Club would like to emphasise, however, that changes to publication of MRD results can only be made at the request of a breed as a whole.