Genetically Modified Pets
You may be diametrically opposed to genetically modified food. You would never buy a product that has had its DNA tampered with. You’re concerned that this reportedly bigger, better, larger, hardier food could affect your health in the long term. But do you realize that your pet’s DNA has been modified and many of the diseases we see in our cats and dogs is due to these alterations?
To discuss the top genetic diseases that affect our feline and canine companions is my guest Dr. Jerold Bell, a Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and practices at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, CT.
BIO:
Jerold S. Bell DVM is a Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, USA. He is the conference coordinator for the Tufts Canine and Feline Breeding & Genetics Conference ( www.vin.com/tufts/2013 ). Dr. Bell serves on the hereditary diseases committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Medical Association, and the Board of Directors of the OFA; the world’s largest health registry of genetic screening test results for dogs. He was trained in genetics and genetic counseling at Michigan State University, and the University of Missouri. His DVM is from Cornell University. He lectures extensively on clinical genetics and genetic counseling, and advises breeds on genetic disease control and genetic diversity issues. He practices small animal medicine at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, CT. He and his wife breed Gordon Setters.