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SCID Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

    DNA test DNA test for the Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID is an inherited disease seen in pure and part-bred Arab...

    €43.05

      Sample RequirementsSample 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 TimeTurnaround Time

      2 to 5  working days

      About the testAbout the test

      This DNA test detects the Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) mutation, an inherited genetic disorder primarily found in Purebred and part-bred Arabian horses. The test identifies horses that are clear, carriers or affected, supporting responsible breeding decisions.

      Why test?Why test?

      Testing is recommended to:

      • Identify horses carrying the SCID mutation.
      • Prevent the breeding of two carrier animals.
      • Avoid the birth of affected foals.
      • Support responsible breeding while preserving valuable bloodlines.
      • Determine the genetic status of foals for future breeding decisions.
      How it worksHow 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 hair roots or a blood sample.

      📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

      📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

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

      📄 Receive Results: Get your result certificate by email.

      Clinical signsClinical signs

      Foals affected by SCID typically develop:

      • Recurrent respiratory infections
      • Persistent diarrhoea
      • Fever
      • Failure to thrive
      • Severe immunodeficiency
      • Increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections

      Clinical signs usually appear between 2 days and 8 weeks of age, and affected foals rarely survive beyond six months.

      TransmissionTransmission

      SCID is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder. A foal must inherit one mutated allele from each parent to become affected. Horses carrying only one copy of the mutation remain clinically normal but can pass the mutation to 50% of their offspring.

      PreventionPrevention

      There is no treatment or cure for SCID. Prevention relies on genetic testing before breeding. Carrier horses can still be safely bred provided they are only mated with horses that have tested clear (N/N) for the SCID mutation.

      ResultsResults

      The DNA test verifies the presence recessive SCID mutation and presents results as one of the following:

      • nn – Non-carrier of the SCID gene.Tested negative for the SCID mutation.
      • nSCID – Heterozygous horse for SCID gene, both the normal and SCID alleles were detected. The horse is a carrier of SCID genetic disorder and there is a 50% chance this horse will pass a SCID allele to its offspring
      • SCID SCID – Carrier of two copies of the SCID gene. Homozygous horse for SCID mutation. The horse is affected with the SCID genetic disorder.
      Additional informationAdditional information

      Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID) is an inherited disease seen in pure and part-bred Arab horses.

      Animals with this inherited condition have an enhanced susceptibility to infection and first show signs of disease at between two days and eight weeks of age. Clinical diagnosis of the disease is not straightforward as the symptoms, such as raised temperature, respiratory complications and diarrhoea, are typical of new-born foals with a range of infections.

      Foals affected by SCID always die from the disorder within the first six months of life. This happens regardless of the level of veterinary care. SCID is therefore a distressing condition for the effected animal and the owners or caregivers, and results in financial loss due to dead foals and veterinary expenses.

      The disorder is recessive, which means that a horse must be homozygous positive or have two copies of the defective gene to suffer from the disease. Consequently both the sire and the dam must possess at least one copy of the mutated gene in order for the offspring to be afflicted. Offspring born with one copy of the defective gene and one non-defective copy are considered a carrier and have a 50% chance of passing the defective gene on.

      A number of studies have attempted to estimate the frequency of SCID carriers in the Arab horse population. Most sources speculate that the percentage of Arab foals which die of SCID is 2-3%.

      If breeding is random then it would imply that roughly 28-35% of Arab horses are carriers. However, most breeding is rather selective, making the true frequency of carriers in the population somewhat unclear.

      FAQsFAQs

      Which breeds should be tested?

      Testing is recommended for Purebred Arabian horses, part-bred Arabians, and horses with Arabian ancestry.

      Can carrier horses be bred?

      Yes. Carrier horses can be safely bred to SCID-clear (N/N) horses without producing affected foals.

      Can SCID be treated?

      No. There is currently no cure for SCID. Prevention through genetic testing is the most effective strategy.

      Which samples are accepted?

      The test can be performed using 30–40 hair roots or 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube.

      When will I receive my results?

      Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.

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