![]() Secondary infections with a variety of pathogens are common. They may exhibit breathlessness, nasal discharge, and coughing. Affected foals often have pale gums and a dull coat. Clinical signs are progressive and include anemia, lethargy and inactivity, reduced appetite, weakness, diarrhea, and poor growth. Depending on the environment and pathogens encountered, clinical signs often appear around 2-8 weeks of age. What are the clinical signs of foal immunodeficiency syndrome?įoals affected with FIS are clinically normal at birth and are healthy for the first weeks due to antibodies acquired from their dams through colostrum (passive immunity). Carrier by clear matings are still recommended to preserve the limited genetic diversity in these breeds, so there has not been a significant reduction in the number of carriers in the populations to date. Genetic testing and avoiding carrier by carrier matings have led to a reduction in the number of affected foals born. In the first year that genetic testing for FIS was available, carrier rates were shown to be almost 40% in Fell Ponies and almost 20% in Dales Ponies. Since the current populations are descended from the remaining few animals and prominent sires were used extensively, these breeds suffer from small numbers, low genetic diversity, and inbreeding. Both the Fell and Dales Pony breeds experienced severe genetic bottlenecks after World War II. Fell Pony and Dales Pony breeds, as well as related breeds and crosses, including Gypsy horses. A causative genetic mutation has been identified, and a genetic test is available.įoal immunodeficiency syndrome is found in the rare native U.K. They become progressively anemic and lack the ability to produce their own antibodies, which makes them susceptible to infections. Affected foals have abnormally low levels of red blood cells and B-lymphocytes (a specific type of white blood cell). It causes fatal anemia and a compromised immune system. What is foal immunodeficiency syndrome?įoal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS), previously known as Fell Pony syndrome, is an inherited autosomal recessive disease. *Download a printable pdf of this article here. A causative genetic mutation has been identified and a DNA test is available.The disease is progressive and affected foals are susceptible to secondary infections.FIS causes fatal anemia and a compromised immune system.Foal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease of Fell and Dales Pony breeds.
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