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 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.
Testing for WFFS is crucial for breeders to make informed decisions. By identifying carriers and avoiding breeding two carriers together, the risk of producing affected foals can be minimized. This helps ensure the health and wellbeing of future generations of horses.
Detailed Results Description
The DNA test results will be one of the following:
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n/n: Negative for WFFS. No affected allele present. The horse is not a carrier of the WFFS mutation.
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n/WFFS: Carrier, heterozygous for WFFS. One mutated allele present. The horse can pass the WFFS allele to 50% of its progeny when bred.
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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.
Additional Information
Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) is a fatal genetic defect of connective tissue, resulting from a mutation in the PLOD1 gene. WFFS is characterized by hyperextensible, fragile skin and mucous membranes, leading to severe lesions and often resulting in euthanasia of affected foals shortly after birth. This condition significantly impacts a horse's health and performance, making genetic testing an essential tool for breeders and buyers.
References
References:
- Ablondi, M., et al. (2022). Performance of Swedish Warmblood fragile foal syndrome carriers and breeding prospects. Genet Sel Evol 54, 4.
- Rowe, Á., et al. (2021). Warmblood fragile foal syndrome causative single nucleotide polymorphism frequency in horses in Ireland. Ir Vet J 74, 27.
- Dias, N. M., et al. (2019). Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome causative single nucleotide polymorphism frequency in Warmblood horses in Brazil. Vet J 248, 101–102.
- Hoelzle, L., et al. (2020). Distribution of the Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 Mutation (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) in Different Horse Breeds from Europe and the United States. Genes 11(12), 1518.
FAQs
What breeds are affected by WFFS?
WFFS primarily affects Warmbloods but has also been detected in breeds like Thoroughbreds, Knabstruppers, Haflingers, and American Sport Ponies.
How is WFFS inherited?
WFFS is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, requiring two copies of the mutated gene (WFFS/WFFS) for the disease to manifest. Affected foals with two copies of the WFFS mutation will not survive to adulthood and must be euthanized shortly after birth.
How can WFFS be managed?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for WFFS. The condition is lethal, and affected foals exhibit severe clinical signs shortly after birth. The best management strategy is through genetic testing to inform breeding decisions and avoid producing affected foals.
Why is it important to test for WFFS?
Testing for WFFS is crucial for breeders to make informed decisions. By identifying carriers and avoiding breeding two carriers together, the risk of producing affected foals can be minimized. This helps ensure the health and wellbeing of future generations of horses.
Visit our full FAQ page for more details.
