WHAT IF...
We could use genetics to understand and manage heritable diseases?
We Can
The genetic revolution is hitting veterinary medicine. From basic science research that allows us to better understand the biology behind inherited disorders to developing new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, genetic research is revolutionizing care for our animals.
In the early 1900s genetics for animals began with fruit fly experiments to understand how genes were passed on from one generation to the next. Just over a century later the genetic mechanism for many inherited disorders across different species have been identified. For example, in dogs there are now nearly 350 genetic mutations thought to explain health traits. Today testing for genetic disorders is transforming both human and veterinary medicine.
Genetics and Animal Health at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory is a globally recognized leader in veterinary genetic testing. Along with offering services like diagnostic genetic tests, parentage tests and veterinary forensic testing, the VGL conducts research that have led to novel discoveries improving testing methodologies as well as the understanding of animal biology, animal and human health, and wildlife conservation and management.
Find out more about the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
100K Pathogen Genome Project
The 100K Pathogen Genome Project is using next-generation and third-generation sequencing approaches and complex data modeling and analytics to enable new diagnostic and public health approaches.
Danika Bannasch Genetics Lab
Dr. Danika Bannasch’s laboratory focuses on three significant advances: the development of diagnostic tests to aid animal breeders; the identification of novel genes and pathways as candidates for human disease; and an understanding of basic molecular mechanisms of disease.
Find out more about the Danika Bannasch Genetics Lab
Rebecca Bellone Genetics Laboratory
The Bellone laboratory investigates both the molecular basis of coat color and other traits of economic significance, as well as, genetic disorders in the horse and other species. Her laboratory has unraveled the cuase for many of the known ocular disorders in horses.
Find out more about the Bellone Laboratory
Finno Laboratory
The Finno Laboratory investigates the molecular basis for genetic diseases in the horse and other companion animals.
Find out more about the Finno Laboratory
Stern Translational Cardiac Genetics and Pharmacogenomics Laboratory
The Josh Stern Cardiac Genetics Laboratory focuses on the study of inherited heart disease across many species, as well as the fields of pharmacogenetics and individualized medicine. The lab identifies mutations and the roles they play in the development of congenital and acquired heart disease, along with effects a patient’s genetic makeup may play on response to medications.
Find out more about the Stern Cardiac Genetics Laboratory
Veterinary care for all pets
"A lot of people don’t have a way to pay for vaccines, but we can bring our pets to the UC Davis Knights Landing Clinic. This way our little animals are healthier."
~ Santos, Jonathon and their dogs Popeye and Olivia
Let’s do it…together
Help make these “What ifs” a reality.