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FFS (WFFS) Fragile Foal Syndrome

    Ensure the Health and Future of Your Horses with Accurate WFFS Testing. Our DNA test verifies the presence of the...

    €43.05 Incl. VAT

      AboutAbout

      Ensure the Health and Future of Your Horses with Accurate WFFS Testing. Our DNA test verifies the presence of the affected allele at the PLOD1 locus responsible for Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS), also known as Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS).

      The Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) DNA Test detects the mutation in the PLOD1 gene responsible for Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome.

      WFFS is an inherited connective tissue disorder that follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Horses carrying a single copy of the mutation are clinically normal but can transmit the variant to their offspring.

      DNA testing enables breeders to identify carriers and make informed breeding decisions that prevent the birth of affected foals.

      Why test?Why test?

      Testing for WFFS allows breeders to:

      • Identify carriers of the WFFS mutation.
      • Prevent breeding two carrier horses together.
      • Reduce the risk of producing affected foals.
      • Support responsible breeding programmes.
      • Obtain reliable genetic information for breeding and registration.
      Clinical signsClinical signs

      The disease is present at birth. Affected foals have skin that lacks tensile strength, characterized by tearing, ulceration, and other lesions from normal contact. Lesions are most noted on pressure points, gums, and other oral cavity mucous membranes. Limb joints are lax and hyper-extensible, making it difficult for affected foals to stand normally.

      WFFS/FFS is similar to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in humans. The mutation has been reported in Warmblood breeds (11-30% carriers) and at low frequency in Thoroughbreds (2.75% of Irish Thoroughbreds), as well as in Hanoverian, Selle Français, KWPN, Oldenburg, and Westphalians.

      ResultsResults

      The DNA test verifies the presence of the affected allele at the PLOD1 locus responsible for WFFS and presents results as one of the following:

      • n/n: Negative for WFFS. No affected allele present. The horse is not a carrier of the WFFS mutation.
      • n/WFFS: Carrier, heterozygous for WFFS. One mutated allele present. The horse can pass the WFFS allele to 50% of its progeny when bred.
      • WFFS/WFFS: Positive, homozygous for WFFS. Two mutated alleles present. The foal will exhibit severe clinical signs and must be euthanized shortly after birth due to the untreatable nature of the disease.
      SampleSample
      • 30 to 40 hair roots - envelope
      • Alternatively, 5 mL blood - K3 EDTA tube

      Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

      Equigerminal Lab HIESE
      Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
      3230-343 Penela, Portugal

      TurnaroundTurnaround
      • 5 a 10 working days
      How it worksHow it works

      🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

      📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

      ✨ Collect the sample yourself: pull 20 to 40 hair roots with the bulb attached, or ask your veterinarian to collect blood in a K3-EDTA tube.

      📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

      📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

      📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

      FAQsFAQs

      What is Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS)?

      WFFS is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by a mutation in the PLOD1 gene.

      Can carrier horses develop the disease?

      No. Carrier horses (N/WFFS) are clinically normal but can transmit the mutation to their offspring.

      How is WFFS inherited?

      It follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. An affected foal must inherit one mutated copy from each parent.

      Which breeds should be tested?

      Testing is strongly recommended for Warmblood breeds and is also useful in breeds where the mutation has been identified, including Thoroughbreds and Knabstruppers.

      Why should breeders perform this test?

      DNA testing allows breeders to avoid carrier-to-carrier matings and prevent the birth of affected foals while maintaining valuable bloodlines.

      MoreMore

      Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome is caused by a mutation in the PLOD1 gene, which affects collagen formation and connective tissue strength.

      Affected foals are born with extremely fragile skin, hyperextensible joints, open wounds and severe connective tissue abnormalities. Because the disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, only horses inheriting two copies of the mutation develop clinical signs.

      The mutation has been identified primarily in Warmblood breeds, although carriers have also been reported in Thoroughbreds, Knabstruppers, Haflingers and several other breeds.

      Routine DNA testing is recommended before breeding to avoid carrier-to-carrier matings.

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