Compulsory Tests For Genetic Disorders
Some Australian Stock Horses have been identified as carriers of HERDA - Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia. It is a severe skin disorder, causing blistering and lesions, leading to secondary infections and early death. HERDA can be traced through Quarter Horse lineage to a mare called Miss Taylor (born in the USA in 1933), the dam of influential Quarter Horse sire, Poco Bueno. Members should research the disorder before breeding. The AQHA requires horses to be tested and results are available on the AQHA database.

On 9th March, the ASHS Board discussed Genetic Disorders and how to manage them - OLWS, HYPP, HERDA, PSSM1, MH, GBED. They agreed, management is paramount. For further information and key points relating to sire registered stallions, progeny of horses testing positive (carrier or affected) and registration of progeny born after 1st August 2020 (must be negative) as adopted by the Board - click here.

Click to hear from Dr Natasha Hamilton of Equine Genetics Research Centre - Racing Australia, who provides some insight into the work that they do and how they are partnering with the Society to assist with the recent adoption of DNA testing for hereditary diseases.

Stallion Owners Notice

• All Sire Registered stallions must be tested for Genetic Disorders by 1st August 2019. Results will be noted on the horse’s registration. 
• Stallions or colts being Sire Registered will require Genetic Disorder Testing.  Any horse returning a Positive Test (carrier or affected) will be REJECTED for Sire Registration.
• Stallion owners can test their stallions now, enabling results to be disclosed to mare owners before mating.