Current equine research at the AHT
The Equine Genetics team is involved in several major grant-funded projects to investigate complex disease in the horse and these are summarised below. The AHT is mainly focussed in inherited aspects of allergic, respiratory and musculo-skeletal disease of the horse and is currently developing research in these fields.
- The Equine Genetics Research (EGR) programme is a large research project aimed at identifying the genetic regions contributing to complex musculo-skeletal disease in the Thoroughbred. The programme will specifically examine Osteochondrosis, ‘Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis’ (colloquially known as ‘Tying-up’), and the Risk of Fracture. This programme runs for four years and is funded by the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
- In collaboration with the University of Berne in Switzerland we are looking into the causes of ‘Recurrent Airway Obstruction’, (colloquially known as ‘Heaves’) in the Swiss Warmblood. This is a complex allergic respiratory condition similar to human asthma. The primary trigger is dusty hay, and once sensitised the horse is acutely vulnerable to inhaled irritants, which provoke episodes of respiratory distress. This study runs for three years and is funded by the Horse Trust.
- In collaboration with the University of Liverpool we are investigating the condition known as ‘Fell Pony Syndrome’. This is a fatal condition in which Fell pony foals become anaemic and fall prey to opportunistic infections resulting in diarrhoea, pneumonia, etc. Unlike the previously described conditions, this devastating disease is most likely caused by a single recessive genetic defect. Once the lesion is identified and a diagnostic test developed, horses carrying the defect can be identified. By avoiding the covering of a carrier stallion with a carrier mare, affected foals will be prevented and this nasty disease, for which there is no effective treatment, can be eradicated. This study forms the basis for a Ph.D. project and will run for three years.
