The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (CFA) will launch the complete
reorganization of their DNA testing program on Friday, October 1, 2010. This
new program will be a cooperative effort between the Cat Fanciers’
Association, Inc., and the Texas A&M University Animal Genetics Laboratory
(TAES).
DNA testing, with samples collected and submitted by owners, will be handled
using SNP array genetic evaluation. This novel state-of-the-art testing
procedure can definitively establish parentage, identity, genetic disease,
and traits such as color.
The complete DNA panel will include the following tests:
• Identity/Parentage Markers and Sex determinate markers
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
• Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI,VI Mild and MPSVII (MPS1, MPSM, MPS7)
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (MYBPC3M, MYBPC3R) Totally valid for Ragdoll only
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• B blood type (BLDAB)
• Albino (ALBIN)
• Cinnamon (CINNAM)
• Chocolate (CHOC2)
• Points (Points1 and Points2)
• Recessive black (AGOUTI)
• Dilute (DILUT)
• Longhair1, Longhair2, Longhair 4, and Longhair 4_2
A paternity/identity fingerprint, as well as an up-to-date genetic disease
and color profile certificate, will be produced as the result of DNA testing
of individual cats. This cutting edge testing panel is available at the
reasonable cost of $55.00 per cat.
Roger Brown, DVM, chair of CFA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, said, “With
the use of these genetic tests, a breeder can determine if unwanted genes
are present in either the sire or dam, and can then choose their breeding
pairs accordingly. Breeders can work together to identify the possible
genetic makeup of kittens to be produced, and thereby have healthier
breeding programs plus strengthen the overall health of their chosen breed.”
Complete information on DNA testing is available at
http://www.catDNAtest.org<\/u><\/a>