MANASQUAN, NJ ” December 6, 2007 – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.(CFA) today announced a cooperative effort between the Cat Fanciers’Association, Inc., DNA Diagnostics, Inc. (d/b/a Shelterwood Laboratories) andTexas A&M University Animal Genetics Laboratory(TAES). This effort will makeVeriSNP™ (patent pending) DNA testing of cats a reality.
VeriSNP™ is a recently developed genetic testing tool which allows breeders of pedigreed cats to have more advanced knowledge of what their breedingprogram can produce. Cat owners will collect DNA samples themselves, quicklyand painlessly, by plucking hair (complete with root) and/or taking buccal (cheek)swabs. Cats of any age and any breed (even random-bred cats) can be tested.
The complete DNA panel will include the following tests:
- Albinism
- Burmese (gene associated with color shading)
- Chocolate-Brown
- Cinnamon-Red
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) (Maine Coon)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) (Ragdoll)
- Identity fingerprint
- Mucopolysaccharidosis MPSM (Lysosomal Storage Disease)
- Mucopolysaccharidosis MPS1 (Lysosomal Storage Disease)
- Paternity identity (parent verification), when needed
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Siamese points
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. CFA will also add a letter to your cat’s registration number indicating that it has been DNA tested. This cutting edge testing panel is available at the reasonablecost of $39.00 per cat.
Roger Brown, DVM, chair of CFA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, said, “This is one of the most exciting projects in CFA’s hundred-year history. 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 VeriSNP™ testing can be found at www.catGENES.org.
About The Cat Fanciers’ AssociationFounded in 1906 as a non-profit association of member clubs, The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.(CFA) is the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. To date, CFA has registered more than 2 million pedigreed cats throughout the world. CFA’s mission is to preserve the uniqueness and beauty of the pedigreed breeds of cats, and to enhance the well being of ALL cats. CFA promoteseducation, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. The CFA, headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, administers rules for the management of cat shows and promotes the interest of breeders and exhibitors of pedigreed cats. CFA breeders, exhibitors, judges and fans span the globe, annually hosting over 400 competitions on four continents. CFA and its affiliates work nationally with local shelters, at agrassroots level, to help improve the problem of stray cats and abuse, and to encourage neuter/spay programs. CFA has been instrumental in the development of several international charitable organizations such as CFA Disaster Relief and The Winn Feline Foundation. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the pedigreed breeds of cats, or to find the nearest CFA cat show, visit www.cfa.org.