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THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF ALL SOMALIS IS THE PARAMOUNT CONCERN OF THE SOMALI BAC!
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Since the summer of 2007 the Somali BAC has worked with Andrea Harvey from Langford, Bristol to eradicate this disease from the UK's Somali population.
Below is a short explanation of the disease and the policy of testing Somalis in GCCF.
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited disease occasionally encountered in Abyssinian and Somali cats and has also been reported in other domestic shorthairs. PK is an enzyme found within red blood cells, which enables them to produce energy to survive. If this enzyme is lacking, the lifespan of the red blood cells is significantly reduced, resulting in anaemia. This means a miserable life for the poor Somali and continual anguish for its owners. We know the disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, so a cat can be carrying the defective gene without having any symptoms of the disease at all. Affected cats arise when two carriers are mated together. There are, therefore, three statuses for cats: Normal (Clear), Carrier and Affected.
Fortunately a reliable test exists. This comprises a DNA test that is performed either with buccal (cheek) swabs or a blood sample. The University of Bristol in the UK, UC Davis and Pennsylvania University in the USA are licensed to do this test which is the one sure method of controlling and eventually eradicating the disease from our breed.
In 2007, the Somali BAC organised the testing of as many Somalis as possible. From the 140+ Somalis tested through Andrea Harvey at Bristol University, it appeared that around 6% were Affected, 40% Carriers and 54% Normal (Clear). Our policy of testing all breeding stock was instigated immediately with the result that we can now protect our Somalis from the threat of this dreadful disease.
All Somali breeders should have their cats micro-chipped and tested for PK Deficiency; it is vital for breeders to be aware of each breeding cat's status. If both parents of a Somali have been certified "clear" or "normal" then the offspring will also have that status and will not require the test. Please read the Somali Breeding and Registration Policies on this site to be aware of the Somali BAC's recommendations for registration and breeding.
If a breeder wished to check the status of a kitten too young to be micro-chipped, a swab may be taken by the owner and submitted to Bristol but the result will not be valid for registration with the GCCF or inclusion on the FAB register.
This link to Langford Vets will take you to the Langford page where it explains how to take the sample.
If you would like any additional information please contact the SOMBAC Secretary:
Anne Gregory – annesmail@blueyonder.co.uk – 01634 361645