History & Aims
The Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation began it’s life as the CEA Working Group. In 1999 the BCC of GB created a fund to raise money for the research into Collie Eye Anomoly. In 2000 the CEA working group was formed, - this group contained representatives from all registered Border Collie societies, the Lancashire Heeler and the ISDS and Shetland Sheepdog societies. Dr Jeff Sampson, Genetics Co-ordinator to the Kennel Club sat as an advisor.
Objectives
The CEA Working Group was formed with the objective to promote research into genetically transmitted conditions and diseases affecting Border Collies and related breeds. Although it is a representative body, the CEA Working Group is autonomous in that it will hold monies collected and will direct money towards specific approved research projects.
Targets
The first and prime target was CEA and the group were in discussion with the scientific community to identify a research project that would concentrate on finding a genetic test for the condition. Health surveys conducted in the UK & USA were analysed to identify further areas of concern.
The 'Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation'
After the DNA test for CEA became widely available, it was clear to the participating Breed Clubs and Societies that the name 'CEA Working Group' needed to be re-thought. The title of 'Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation' was decided upon because of the original objective which was, and still is, to promote research into genetically transmitted conditions and diseases affecting Border Collies and related breeds.
The current Officers of the P B H F are:
Chairman: Kathie Kinton
Vice Chairman: Bob Tunnicliff
Treasurer: Marion Withers
Secretary: Hilary Kerr
THE AIMS OF THE PBHF IN 2010
The PBHF are actively fundraising & promoting the research into Health issues in the Border Collie. We are in the extremely positive position in our Breed that there are now DNA tests available for 3 genetically hereditary conditions known to affect our Breed (TNS, CL & CEA – see the DNA test Page for more details). We hope to see more & more tests become available as a tool for Breeders & owners to ensure that their dogs & breeding lines are, and remain healthy. We are currently fundraising & supporting “Gonioscopy” testing for the predisposition for Glaucoma in the Breed, and hope to have more information available soon.