New DNA test to prevent foal deaths in Fell & Dales ponies
A DNA test which will save foals from unnecessary pain and suffering, and ultimately death, has been launched by the Animal Health Trust. Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS), a genetic disorder which is known to affect Fell and Dales ponies, causes foals to become anaemic and prone to opportunistic infections. Any foal born with the syndrome will not survive. The new diagnostic DNA test, which costs £40, is the result of ten years of research by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and the University of Liverpool. The test will not only identify foals which have the fatal condition but will highlight...