• DNA Profiling & 
    Parentage Verification
    We offer DNA profiling which can be used to confirm parentage or the identity of your horse.
    Find out how
  • Genetic Diagnostic Testing
    We offer testing for known mutations that cause genetic disorders. This can be used to prevent the birth of a foal affected by one of these disorders.
    Find out how
  • Coat Colour &
    Pattern Testing
    Our coat colour or pattern testing can be used as an aid for selection to produce a foal of a particular colour.
    Find out how
  • Infectious Disease Testing
    The EGRC is currently executing a trial of PCR detection of the pre-breeding panel pathogens. This service is for veterinarians only.
    Find out how

SCID

SCID is a disorder of the immune system

Full name

Severe combined immune deficiency

Breeds known to be affected

Arabian and related breeds

Inheritance pattern

Autosomal recessive

Description

Foals affected by SCID lack a proper immune system which is critical for fighting infection. Once the maternal immune protection wears off, SCID foals develop signs of infection (examples including fever, respiratory distress and/or diarrhea). SCID cannot be cured and affected foals will usually die from an infection before 6 months of age.

SCID is a recessive disorder so two copies of the defective version of the DNA-PK gene must be inherited (SCID/SCID) for a foal to be affected. If a horse is a carrier (n/SCID), it will not show any clinical signs of SCID. However, there is a 50% chance it will pass the variant to its offspring, so mating to other carriers should be avoided to prevent the birth of an affected foal.

Interpretation of results

n/n: Horse does not carry the mutation associated with SCID.

n/SCID: Horse has one copy of the mutation associated with SCID.

SCID/SCID: Horse has two copies of the mutation associated with SCID.

Reference

Shin et al. A kinase-negative mutation of DNA-PK(CS) in equine SCID results in defective coding and signal joint formation. The Journal of Immunology 1997; 158:3565-3569.

Powered by © 2023 Racing Australia Limited (ACN 105 994 330)