Health Committee

Established a Fauve health database, which will be tied to the pedigree database. All information reported to the health database will be anonymous.

Attended the AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Conference in Durham NC.

Wrote a clear by parentage policy, which was passed by the Club Board. If a sire and dam have been tested for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and both are clear, then their litter would be considered genetically clear of the POAG genetic mutation. This is called Clear by Parentage and is designated CBP1.The new policy is that a CBP1 litter does not need to be POAG tested; however, if a CBP1 Fauve is bred to a CLEAR or a CBP1 Fauve, the litter is designated CBP2 and must be tested.

Alerted the Fauve community on the need to be aware of cortical cataracts and cataracts in general. This will be included in our next health survey.

Solicited a research proposal from Dr. Karen Muñana, DVM DACVIM, of NC State University to study idiopathic epilepsy in Fauves. Dr. Muñana proposes to determine the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in Fauves in North America, document the clinical characteristics, analyze pedigrees to establish heritability, and collect DNA samples to support future genetic studies. The Club will need to fundraise to support this work.

Sponsored a webinar by Micah Halpern, PhD, on Building a Better (Healthier) Breeding Program using DNA Testing. Topics included DNA testing tools available to breeders, coat color genetics, and understanding carrier vs. affected status.