How Can Regional Clubs Help?
The Berner-Garde Foundation is extremely appreciative of the many regional clubs that have held DNA collections (AKA "blood draw's")
for the Repository. Experience has demonstrated that these regional events enable many Berners who may not attend the BMDCA national
specialty an opportunity to contribute their DNA and enhance the depth of samples available to researchers.
These DNA collection days are frequently held in conjunction with an existing club event but can also be held as an independent
"health day" where other health related things can be done such as a CERF clinic.
What does it take and how much does it cost?
Your club will need a number of volunteers to conduct a successful DNA collection. A typical arrangement is:
- One or more persons to register dogs by getting repository submission forms filled out and signed.
- One person to help hold dogs while blood is being drawn.
- One Vet Tech to actually draw the blood.
- One person to do cheek swabs.
- One person to label the blood vials and cheek swabs matching them to the submission forms (extremely important).
The only expense a club might have is the Vet Tech. However, many clubs have a member or two that work in that profession and might
volunteer their time. Berner-Garde will cover the cost of all the supplies you will need to hold a DNA collection including the blood
vials and a shipping container. Note that it is important that the all the collection vials and swabs get packed and shipped promptly to MSU.
Who do we contact if we want to host a DNA collection day?
There are two technicians at MSU available to help you through the entire process. Marlee Richter and Sharon Steck will be happy to
receive your request and get your supplies sent to your club. They will likely need to ask you a few questions including any estimate of
how many dogs may be at this DNA collection. You can contact them via email them at berners@cvm.msu.edu
for any questions you may have or to get your suppies sent out. Note that Marlee and Sharon's contact information is repeated at the bottom
of this page and includes their phone and fax numbers. If your club has not done this before, you will want to have a phone conversation
with them to make sure you understand everything.
What else do we need to know?
See this PDF document for more information and helpful tips for a successful
Repository DNA collection.
Repository Contact Information:
Michigan State University