End of season report   

We managed to hold 10 of the planned 13 nursery trials despite the awful weather we have had this winter. Our thanks go to all those who have helped in many different ways, hosting trials, judging, letting out and taking off sheep, taking entries and participating.

The points system over the series is 6 points for a win down to 1 point for 6th. This season the maltese cross has been dominated by Jed Watson (Brecon) with his nursery team, he has won all 8 that he has attended with various different dogs, and taken home 25 of the 48 rosettes on offer on those days. He won the Winter Novice championship with Jake with 36 points. Overall we had 45 dogs competing in the Maltese cross with 26 of these gaining a place at some stage.

The driving was dominated by Jim Nicholls (Buckland Brewer) with his very smart bitch Kim. He won the R Sleep perpetual challenge cup nursery Driving with 36 points. He was pursued all season by a posse of lady handlers with Maureen Capes and Mist taking the Philleigh Cup for the highest pointed lady handler, closely followed by Jenny Holdsworth and Dusk and Merrill Fox and Gem. 31 dogs competed in driving with 23 of then achieving a place during the season.

The young handlers have gained a huge amount of experience over the winter with both Mathew Carter and Mark Hopper running 2 dogs each, points gained over the season were closely matched at trials where both were present, however Mathew edged ahead  took the Young Handler Trophy for the second year running.  

Kennel Cough

Several handlers have contacted us with regard to Kennel Cough following reports of outbreaks in other parts of the country. After discussion with local vets we are publishing this information to assist handlers with the assessment of risk of running their dogs

 

Kennel cough is a very infectious disease which is transmitted in a similar way to human flu ie. particles of nasal and/or oral discharge from an infected dog being inhaled by another dog, the route for infection is primarily airborne via cough/ sneeze from the infected animal, but could also be transmitted from contact with contaminated discharge on any surface eg drooling on the ground.

Kennel Cough is a mild viral infection from which most dogs recover within 1-2 weeks without veterinary attention, however some may require antibiotic therapy if a secondary bacterial infection develops. The virus is "live" in the air and on surfaces for hours not days, clinical signs are typically seen 1 week after infection. A vaccine is available and immunity is achieved approx 4 days after administration depending on brand used. Clinical signs are varied and if no external challenge is put on a dog signs may not be noticed, however a harsh cough is evoked by palpation of the trachea and pharynx, this may also be heard during exercise.