Harmonization of Genetic Testing: Pre-Workshop Required Reading

  In addition to the Theme:Outline - here some reading we hope you will do before coming to the Workshop.   If you aren't acquainted with it, please see:  

 the Harmonization Project Initiative description.

General Goals and Outcomes - all Themes: 
By the conclusion of the 3rd IDHW participants should leave with a clear sense of key decisions on priorities / needs within the theme; remaining gaps/ challenges/ controversies; List of specific tasks/ actions to be undertaken over the next two years, by whom; and a clear understanding of how they, personally, will help achieve the desired outcomes.
 
Please see: 3rd IDHW_Program Overview, Schedule, Themes and Speakers  for further information.   Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (Harmonization/ Genetics) Theme 

• Working Group Coordinator(s): Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, USA; Brenda Bonnett, Canada
• Resource persons:  Wim van Haeringen, Netherlands, Cathryn Mellersh, UK
• Facilitator(s):  Diane Brown, USA
• Notetaker:  Ambre Jaraud, France

  Keys to The Harmonization/ Genetics Theme:
In previous Dog Health Workshops, it was recognised that the proliferation of genetic tests, and test providers available paired with the lack of standardisation or regulation on a global scale is a huge concern. There is an urgent need for consumers to be able to access a resource to elucidate which genetic testing providers are robust, and what genetic tests options are applicable to improvement of dog health and welfare. The IPFD in collaboration with multiple stakeholders has developed a prototype platform to catalogue quality measures (QMs) for genetic testing providers. In addition, the IPFD and collaborators are working to develop balanced, independent reviews of genetic tests and their recommended usage, and support the development of proficiency testing.   Some of the Keys we hope to address in this session: 

• Increase input on the development, and content of the prototype (i.e. identifying and prioritizing QMs)
• Engage further sponsors, collaborators, and Experts to address the challenges of The Tri-ad:
• Genetic Testing Providers: What describes quality and reliability?
• Tests: What describes quality and reliability?
• Genetic Counselling – the next steps needed for phase 2. 
• Develop working parties to address specific Tri-ad issues 
• Clearly identify the needs and desires of the primary users: owners, breeders, commercial test providers, researchers, breed clubs, etc. 

  Continue reading below or download PDF   3rd IDHW Guide for Participants_Harmonization_12April2017.docx