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).
Sample Requirements
30 to 40 hair roots - envelope
Alternatively, 5 mL blood - K3 EDTA tube
Turnaround Time
2 to 5 working days
Results Description
The DNA test verifies the presence of the affected allele at the PLOD1 locus responsible for WFFS and presents results as one of the following:
n/n: Negative for WFFS. No affected allele present. The horse is not a carrier of the WFFS mutation.
n/WFFS: Carrier, heterozygous for WFFS. One mutated allele present. The horse can pass the WFFS allele to 50% of its progeny when bred.
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.
Genetic Inheritance
Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder caused by a single mutation in the PLOD1 gene.
Clinical Signs and Affected Breeds
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.
Why Test?
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:
n/n: Negative for WFFS. No affected allele present. The horse is not a carrier of the WFFS mutation.
n/WFFS: Carrier, heterozygous for WFFS. One mutated allele present. The horse can pass the WFFS allele to 50% of its progeny when bred.
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). . Genet Sel Evol 54, 4.
Rowe, Á., et al. (2021). . Ir Vet J 74, 27.
Dias, N. M., et al. (2019). . Vet J 248, 101–102.
Hoelzle, L., et al. (2020). . 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.
