Name: HERDA Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 51.0 USD

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HERDA Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia

DNA test DNA test for Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA). This test verifies the presence of the recessive HERDA gene....

$51.00

Sample Requirements

30 to 40 - hair roots - envelope or 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

Turnaround Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

The HERDA DNA Test detects the presence of the recessive mutation responsible for Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA).

This genetic test identifies horses that are clear, carriers, or affected by HERDA, helping breeders make informed breeding decisions and prevent the production of affected foals.

Why test?

Testing for HERDA helps to:

Identify horses carrying the HERDA mutation.
Avoid mating two carrier horses.
Prevent the birth of affected foals.
Support responsible breeding programs.
Confirm the genetic status of breeding animals.

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects the sample or collect hair roots according to the provided instructions.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send to:

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

📄 Receive Results: Your DNA test certificate will be sent by email.

Results

The DNA test verifies the presence of the recessive HERDA gene and presents results as one of the following:

N/ - Negative for HERDA. Absence of the defective gene responsible for HERDA.
N/HERDA - Carrier - Positive heterozygous for HERDA. Presence of one copy of the allele responsible for HERDA.The horse is a carrier for HERDA and can pass on a copy of HERDA allele to their progeny when bred.
HERDA/ -Positive Homozygous for HERDA. Presence of two copies of the allele responsible for HERDA.The horse is affected byHERDA disorder and can pass the HERDA allele to 100% of their progeny when bred.

Additional information

Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) is a fatal inherited connective tissue disorder that primarily affects American Quarter Horses, particularly cutting horse bloodlines.

HERDA is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation, meaning affected horses inherit one defective copy of the gene from each parent. Carrier horses remain clinically healthy but can pass the mutation to their offspring.

Affected horses develop extremely fragile, hyperextensible skin that tears easily, resulting in painful wounds, extensive scarring and poor healing. Clinical signs are rarely present at birth and usually develop between one and two years of age, often when training under saddle begins.

There is currently no cure for HERDA. Because affected horses cannot safely perform athletic activities and should not be used for breeding, many are euthanized due to poor welfare and quality of life.

DNA testing is the most reliable method for identifying carriers and preventing the spread of this inherited disease.

FAQs

What is HERDA?

HERDA is an inherited skin disorder that causes extremely fragile skin, poor wound healing and severe scarring in affected horses.

Can carrier horses develop the disease?

No. Carrier horses are clinically healthy but can pass the HERDA mutation to approximately 50% of their offspring.

Which breeds are most commonly affected?

HERDA occurs predominantly in American Quarter Horses, particularly cutting horse lines, although related breeds may also carry the mutation.

Can HERDA be prevented?

Yes. DNA testing breeding animals and avoiding carrier-to-carrier matings prevents the birth of affected foals.

When should a horse be tested?

Any horse intended for breeding, especially Quarter Horses and related breeds, should be tested before mating to determine its genetic status.