A statement from the Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Coordinators Committee concerning

Late Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (LOPRA)

Recently, DNA samples from Irish setters diagnosed with Late Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (LOPRA) have been submitted to the Animal Health Trust for genetic analysis. So far several dogs have been diagnosed with two copies of the rcd-4 mutation (i.e. homozygous). This means these dogs are clinically affected with a condition that has previously been described in Gordon setters.

The Animal Health Trust is hoping to release a DNA test for rcd-4 in Irish setters in the near future and when it is available the scale of the problem in the breed can be assessed and an appropriate strategy to eradicate the condition can begin. Until that time the Committee advises against panic and ill‑informed rumour.

Whilst the recognition of LOPRA in the breed is a serious and unwanted development, we should take heart that previous genetic problems (e.g. PRA rcd-1, CLAD) in the breed have been conquered by dedicated breeders implementing controlled breeding schemes, and there is no reason to doubt an eradication programme, when launched, will be successful.

Professor Ed Hall

Chairman, Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Coordinators Committee

Irish Setter Breed Clubs Health Coordinators Committee

Late Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (LOPRA)

Following the discovery of Irish setters clinically affected with LOPRA in association with two copies of the rcd-4 gene (i.e. homozygous), so far the following six dogs (in alphabetical order) have been identified as affected.

·         Joben Midnight Memories

·         Joben Midnight Moments

·         Konakakela Red Admiral at Ixia

·         Millcroft the Moon's Shadow

·         Starchelle Buddy Holly

·         Wickenberry Capsicum

These names are being published with the permission of their owners/breeders in a spirit of openness in order to alert responsible owners and breeders and to prevent the propagation of unfounded rumours.

We await an announcement from the Animal Health Trust on when the rcd-4 test will be made available.

Professor Ed Hall