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1. The Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs Initiative

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   About the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)

    

   
   One of the major IPFD projects, the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) arose from discussions at the International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs); the HGTD is a proud achievement, exemplifying the IDHW’s tagline: From Information and Collaboration to Action!

    

   The goal of the HGTD is to improve standardization of, and access to, robust genetic testing to support health improvements and a sustainable future for healthy dogs. It is a portal for information on Genetic Testing Providers (labs); genetic tests, and tests by breed. There are two major components: the Quality Testing Database and Genetic Counselling resources. Information pertaining to genetic testing including genetic terms, FAQ's, accreditation, guidelines, standards and more is available HERE.

   As of January 2022, the HGTD Database now includes 82 academic and commercial genetic test providers (GTPs) in 22 countries. The database currently includes information on accreditation and tests for 45 collaborating GTPs.

   Our searchable genetic phenes database currently holds information on 300+ phenes across all breeds/types, and provides a plethora of information on each phene: links to OMIA, gene + mutations, a simple and advanced disease description, inheritance details, links to original publications, patents/licenses, comments from the original researchers/experts on application, and breed specific information (such as research/validation) - where possible. 

    

   Go to the HGTD!

    

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   HGTD developments in 2021 & 2022...

   Updated in ' 21 and '22
   Key comments are associated with the relevance of the test to specific breeds/types and can vary in content. Provided by experts in the phene discovery or application of the test, the information could be related to how common the phene is in a breed, specific concerns about the test for a particular breed, or breed-specific application of the test.

   “All Phenes”: The tests listed on HGTD have previously been listed only where offered by a participating GTP. We expanded the database to more comprehensively cover breed-associated traits (350 phenes, and growing). For 2021, Breed Relevance Ratings (BRR) have been reviewed for all of the 2,000+ breed-specific test combinations. In addition, BRRs have been reviewed for general «all dogs» tests, as well as many popular breed crosses. BRRs are dynamic, and we aim to reflect new research or other evidence, as quickly as possible.

   Expanded phene information: Phenes information has expanded on breed/dog-specific associated diseases and traits. This includes more clinical information, more breed-specific clinical and application information, outreach to researchers on specific diseases and tests, and more specific information on test technology and type (e.g., linkage tests, direct mutation tests, and risk-variants).

   Blogs: HGTD This Week continues to provide HGTD-specific blog posts across relevant genetic testing information and key HGTD features, e.g., technology like SNP-chips or dog ID, HGTD features like BRR, and real- world test usage. The Ask Aimee blog continues to answer IPFD and HGTD users’ questions and raise conversations around emerging genetic testing tools, such as genomic COI.

   Our HGTD projects moved forward in 2021...

   • Expanding engagement of GTPs,
   • Integration of Expert Panels,
   • Health Strategies Database (HSDD), and the Get a GRIHP Program) to enhance breed-specific information and outputs

   We are pleased that we continue to have sponsorship and support from many of our key Leadership Sponsors to develop our work. We would welcome anyone with an interest in contributing to, or participating in, the HGTD project to contact us. We are particularly keen to engage with academic and research institutions providing testing, who are concerned about ensuring genetic testing is a beneficial and responsible resource. 

   Contact:  Project Director Aimee.Llewellyn-Zaidi@ipfdogs.com

    

   HGTD NEWS

   HGTD & Genetic Testing A group blog by IPFD's Genetic Testing Team

   In this article we present a collection of links and excerpts from media coverage of IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs initiative. We will be adding more content as media articles are published.

   • In the News: Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs

    

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   ALSO: See the HGTD summary article for Additional Information: HGTD Rationale and Background