IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs: Initiative Description

Additional Information:  HGTD Rationale and Background

• There is currently no accreditation or standardization for genetic (DNA) testing for companion animals, and formal, international regulation/oversight is unlikely.
• There are increasing numbers of Genetic Test Providers (GTPs) offering a myriad of tests; these GTPs are diverse.  Concerns have included reports of inconsistent, irregular and even suspected fraudulent activities.
• There has been a dire need for a collaborative international effort in determining the overall quality of commercial entities undertaking genetic testing in dogs, and of the specific tests/products they are offering. This is needed to:
  • Support consumers and confidence in DNA testing.
  • Support breeding practices to limit inherited disease and promote healthy offspring.
  • Further the scientific understanding of inherited diseases.
  • Reduce redundant efforts worldwide.
• The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is an independent, non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization; their web platform is DogWellNet.com. IPFD has existed since August 2014 and an ongoing priority has been to address challenges in genetic testing; to help disseminate information and evidence to support breeding decisions; all with the goal of enhancing the health and welfare of dogs. IPFD, through the continued financial and in-kind commitment of its Partners, has not only built the online infrastructure for the initiative described herein, but has also built the collaborative relationships, trust and interest of the many stakeholders who have helped create and use this resource e.g., kennel clubs, breed clubs, veterinarians, scientists, genetic advisors, breeders, the pet industry, as well as Genetic Test Providers (GTPs).
• IPFD has overseen the creation of an open access, sustainable online resource that catalogs information provided voluntarily from GTPs for genetic testing (GT) in dogs. This online resource describes expertise, quality assurance, activities and resources; hosts expert panel reviews of genetic tests; aims to coordinate a program for standardized proficiency testing and potentially peer review and audit; collates/assembles existing and new resources for genetic counselling and education; and provides the foundation for further developments. IPFD, our Partners and other stakeholders in this initiative recognize great work and resources currently available (e.g., WSAVA Inherited Disease Committee Database). We welcome collaboration with other organizations and groups that share the goal of improving the appropriate use of genetic testing for dogs.
• In addition to the IPFD and its partner organizations (including numerous national kennel clubs), specific financial and in-kind support for this prototype initiative has been provided by Leadership Sponsors, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, USA; the AKC Canine Health Foundation; numerous GTPs, academic institutions and corporate collaborators.   
• Funding is being solicited from various stakeholders, to provide a robust service at minimal investment per stakeholder. 
• Discussions among experts from numerous stakeholders have occurred over the last few years (e.g., at two previous International Dog Health Workshops and Canine and Feline Genome meetings).

HGTD Timeline

2017:

• A steering committee was struck, and numerous teleconferences were held during the year.
• Engaged specific commitments from 17 leadership GTPs  to share data.
• Procured initial funding from Leadership Sponsors, IPFD Partners and others. 
• Presented project/prototype to stakeholders at 3rd IDHW (April 21-23, 2017) for discussion and further engagement.  During the breakout session for this Theme, 35 participants from numerous stakeholder groups participated in discussions on the prototype and on how to move forward on this international collaboration.
• Presented revised prototype at The 9th International Conference on Canine and Feline Genetics and Genomics (May 21-24, 2017).
• Expanded outreach to AKC/US Parent Clubs (AKC-CHF meeting August 2017); WSAVA conference and DVSA Outreach Symposium, Copenhagen, Sept. 2017; and Breed Health Symposium 2017, for The Kennel Club; October 2017.
• Initiated the Quality Database online (access for Partners, Sponsors and GTPs) December 2017 including actual data from leadership sponsor GTPs and resources identified and assembled for easy access by consumers.

2018:

• Beta testing of Quality Database by GTPs, IPFD Partners and others (January).
• Continued refinement of data and input from current GTPs.
• Launch of publicly-accessible database (view 08 May 2018 Press Release); IPFD continues to welcome input for further development.
• Invited (all) other GTPs to join the initiative and submit their data (starting from April 2018).
• Continued to expand genetic counseling resources.

2023:

• As of October 2023, the HGTD database holds basic information for 82 genetic test providers across 26 countries, with information on quality measures and accreditation for 40+ active and participating test providers; Searchable genetic phenes database database currently holds information on 300+ phenes across all breeds/types.
   

HGTD Contact: IPFD Project Manager Aimee.Llewellyn-Zaidi@ipfdogs.com

Click Here to Visit the HGTD Quality Testing Database