Genetic Disorders: From Knowledge to Action
6th Annual Symposium February 20, 2010
Where: Brett’s Barn (east end of the WestWorld Show Grounds)
When: 8:00 a.m. coffee and pastries 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Program
presented by The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse
co-sponsored by the Arabian Horse Foundation and the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona
Recent discoveries of the genetic basis for Cerebellar Abiotrophy and Lavender Foal Syndrome have breeders asking these critical questions:
- First SCID, now Cerebellar Abiotrophy and Lavender Foal Syndrome -- where are all these diseases coming from?
- How are they inherited?
- Can I breed to avoid problems?
- What tests are available? Are they reliable?
- What should I do if I have a “carrier” in my herd, or have an “affected” foal?
- What are my responsibilities under the changes to the AHA Code of Ethics and Sportsmanship?
- What are my legal liabilities if I want to stand a carrier stallion or sell a horse that may be a carrier? What if I don’t know the carrier status of my horses?
- Should I just quit breeding? Is this the end of the Arabian breed?
Genetic disorders are found in all breeds of horses. Rapid advances in genetic science, especially the sequencing of the equine genome, have allowed researchers to identify the genetic basis for Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) and Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS). Tests for these disorders, together with that for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disorder), give Arabian breeders tools for managing their breeding decisions so as to avoid producing affected foals. The ability to test has also raised the responsibility of breeders to disclose information about the presence of such disorders in their horses.
Testing for CA that shows this disorder is found throughout the breed, and recent legal actions involving sales of horses that carry the genes for genetic disorders have heightened the profile of this issue. In November 2009, the Arabian Horse Association amended its Code of Ethics and Sportsmanship to add CA and LFS as disorders that must be disclosed (Resolutions 3-09 and 4-09). All these elements compel breeders to become knowledgeable about the genetic basis of the disorders and about their options, responsibilities, and liabilities.
The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse (www.desertarabian.org) supports research and education on genetics and breeding issues, and has chosen this topic for its 2010 Symposium. The Arabian Horse Foundation, a co-sponsor of the Symposium, has provided financial support on CA research for the past several years. Held concurrently with the Scottsdale Arabian Show, the Symposium features three experts who will focus on different aspects of dealing with genetic disorders.
Dr. Cecilia Penedo, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California at Davis, directed the research that identified the genetic markers for CA and developed the marker-based test. She will discuss the genetic basis and heritability of disorders that affect the Arabian horse, focusing on those for which testing is available (SCID, CA, and LFS) and describing the work continuing on those with suspected genetic basis (Juvenile Epilepsy Syndrome, Gutteral Pouch Tympany, Occipito-Atlanto-Axial Malformation). She will also place the issue of genetic disorders in the broader context of breeding decisions.
Beth Minnich chairs the Genetic Diseases Task Force for the Arabian Horse Association. She will speak on the development and implementation of Resolutions 3-09 and 4-09 that passed at the November 2009 National Convention of AHA and the work of the newly formed Sub-Committee on Genetic Disorders (AHA Equine Stress, Research, and Education Committee).
Paul Husband, Attorney at Law, is an expert in equine law, with experience in all aspects of the horse business, including taxes, horse purchase and sales issues, and representation of horse businesses before horse industry administrative bodies. He will address the legal issues raised by the growing knowledge about genetic disorders and availability of testing to confirm carrier/affected animals.
At the conclusion of the Symposium attendees will be able to:
- Describe the genetic basis for disorders that affect Arabian horses, including the method of inheritance, effects on stock, availability/reliability of testing, and factors to consider in breeding horses that carry the genes for such disorders.
- Conduct breeding and sales activity in conformance with AHA Code of Ethics.
- Discuss the ethical and legal issues that result from definitive knowledge of genetic disorders that may be found in one’s herd and how that will affect breeding and commercial activities.
JOIN US FOR THIS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT SYMPOSIUM. Click here for an informative paper about genetic disorders that was presented to the delegates at the AHA 2009 Convention.
Click here for additional resources
Click here for the text of the Resolutions adopted at the 2009 AHA Convention