Following the published discovery by the University of Utrecht of the mutation in the MURR1 gene that causes copper toxicosis in the Bedlington Terrier, research has continued here in the UK to develop a DNA test for this particular mutation. This has now been achieved, says a KC press release issued last week.

It has been a long haul from the middle nineties, when the Bedlington community was given its first linkage-based test for this condition. Breeders now have the ‘Rolls Royce’ of DNA test available to help them combat this problem and significantly reduce the frequency of this mutation in the Bedlington population.

A seminar will be held at The Moat House, Standish, near Wigan on Saturday August 9th 2003 to introduce this new DNA test and discuss how it will be used to control copper toxicosis in the Bedlington Terrier.

Tickets for this event can be obtained by contacting Dr Jeff Sampson at the Kennel Club, 1–5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB or e-mail: jsampson@the-kennel-club.org.uk