https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/f…/10362770-wffs
Any thoughts from thoroughbred breeders?
https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/horse/WFFS.php
https://www.animalgenetics.us/equine…sease/WFFS.asp
I’ve read all the above links with interest because this is the first time I’ve heard of WFFS. In the COTH thread noted above, the Jockey Club is excoriated by some for not looking for instances of the syndrome in the TB breed. I would imagine that’s because it’s not currently perceived to be a problem.
I live in central KY where the vast majority of U.S. TB foals are born each year. We also have access to some of the best equine medical care in the country. Breeders here regularly share info with each other regarding odd or unexplained reproductive issues (like MRLS in 2002-2003). The two major vet clinics also get the word out if they are seeing something unusual happening–so breeders can take a proactive approach to their vet care.
The fact that no one hear is talking about FFS makes me think that’s it not being seen. Or if it is, the occurrences are isolated enough not to sound an alarm among TB breeders.
This is what I said on the other thread:
.Re: Skepticism from the Jockey Club
There are around 100,000 thoroughbreds born worldwide each year. I don’t know how many foals warmblood registries produce worldwide, but I can’t imagine it even comes close. Thoroughbreds are a multi-billion dollar industry.
Northern Dancer is the most prevalent modern stallion across the globe. He has 2(?) crosses to Bay Ronald. Just that fact alone makes it safe to assume that basically every thoroughbred on the planet has Bay Ronald lines.
No one, to my knowledge, has come forward with a thoroughbred foal displaying symptoms of WFFS. That’s what it took for WB registries to get on board with acknowledging the allele.
There is no evidence that incidences of pregnancy loss are directly related to this.
So I understand why they would toe the line and separate themselves from this frenzy until they have more evidence of its impact.
