Equine Speed Gene Traced to One Founding Mare

Here’s an interesting story about some additional findings on equine genetics and the history of the racehorse:

“Speed Gene Traced to One Founder

Researchers track a racehorse “speed gene” back to a single mare in the United Kingdom.

By Edyta Zielinska | January 26, 2012

A gene linked to speed in today’s Thoroughbred horses was tracked back to a British mare that lived roughly 300 years ago, according to a study published in Nature Communications Tuesday (January 24).

The gene, a variant of myostatin, the factor involved in muscle mass development in many species, was shown to predict the speed and stamina of a horse. Two copies of the C-type variant, for example, is likely to result in a horse that runs fast over short distances, ideal for the sprint races that are common today. The other variant, the type T, is better suited for stamina, allowing horses to run fast for long distances.

Researchers looked at the genetics and pedigree of 593 horses, dead and alive, and tracked the C-type variant to a single mare. While horses carrying the C-type variant were still rare in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, they were widely propagated in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s by breeding two celebrated father-son stallions, Nearctic and Northern Dancer.”

EHV-1 Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak Update

Reported this week in California:  Three new cases of EHV – 1 (Equine Herpes Virus) were reported and confirmed this week, on January 13th, at a California barn in San Juan Capistrano.  The infection is not thought to be show related and the barn is under quarantine.  A fourth case is suspected (but not confirmed by this source) at a second location in Raleigh at a School of Veterinary Medicine.  Folks are advised to watch their horses carefully for any possible symptoms and be aware of contact with other horses and barns.  It is not advisable to admit any horses of unknown previous origin into your facility or to have contact with outside animals (i.e. avoid contact with other unfamiliar horses on trail rides, at commuter barns, etc.)  Below you’ll find a recap of a previous post with information on EHV-1.  As with all health alerts, if you are unsure or have questions, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

The least you need to know:

- EHV 1 or Equine Herpes Virus is a long existing viral infection that, when an outbreak occurs is very contagious and easily spread.
- Spread by a variety of means: Airborn, close contact, via handler’s clothing, shared stalls/feed/grounds
- It it not known to infect humans
- It can cause multiple forms of disease in horses (4 types) but respiratory is the most common
- Symptoms: High Fever, Lethargy, Runny Nose (clear), Difficulty Standing, Neurological Effects
- Many horses develop respiratory symptoms and eventually recover
- When the disease crossed into the central nervous system the results are disastrous and deadly
- There is no known vaccine against EHV-1 and only supportive care treatment for those infected
- Current recommendation is to keep horses home, move only in emergency and avoid transport from one facility to another
- If you have been to a barn today DO NOT go to another as you may transmit the virus on your person.

The bottom line here is that this disease is a rapid spread and rapid fizzle virus with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Evaluate your plans carefully for where and when you are traveling and working with your horse.

Further Information:

Current Disease Origin – Canada
Largest Recent Outbreak Source – National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah
Current States with Identified Cases: Alberta Canada, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington
Resource Links:
UC Davis link http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

**If you have updated information or suggested resource links, please submit them for posting asap

Stallions of DreamFriesians and Lusitanos

To all of our friends, fans and mares in foal:
We are proud to be launching new stallion photos on our site of the young Lusitano stallions growing up (turning 4 now and beginning to show), photos of our new addition to the herd PRE Andalusian Stallion Hermoso XXVII, and, of course, many new photos of Friesian Stallion Zero Gravity on all of his summer adventures. Take a look at our two featured studs of the day; Lusitano Caetano and PRE Andalusian Hermoso XXVII:

More info available on each of their pages. Certainly feel free to visit their pages for more pictures, video and information. Breeding is by private treaty and A.I. only. Multiple mare discounts may apply. Breed for your dream foal of color and presence!

Cremello Lusitano Caetano at 4 years of Age

Here’s an update for those of you interested in our Cremello Lusitano Stallion, Caetano. As many of you are aware, he recently turned 4 years old and looks quite a bit different from his “teenager” look as a 3 year old! While he still has a way to go, he is definitely filling out and growing up. Please see his page for many more updated photos and soon a few new videos:

EHV-1 Outbreak: Spread of Equine Herpes Virus Information

EHV-1 Outbreak Virus Alert

The least you need to know:

- EHV 1 or Equine Herpes Virus is a long existing viral infection that, when an outbreak occurs is very contagious and easily spread.
- Spread by a variety of means: Airborn, close contact, via handler’s clothing, shared stalls/feed/grounds
- It it not known to infect humans
- It can cause multiple forms of disease in horses (4 types) but respiratory is the most common
- Symptoms: High Fever, Lethargy, Runny Nose (clear), Difficulty Standing, Neurological Effects
- Many horses develop respiratory symptoms and eventually recover
- When the disease crossed into the central nervous system the results are disastrous and deadly
- There is no known vaccine against EHV-1 and only supportive care treatment for those infected
- Current recommendation is to keep horses home, move only in emergency and avoid transport from one facility to another
- If you have been to a barn today DO NOT go to another as you may transmit the virus on your person.

The bottom line here is that this disease is a rapid spread and rapid fizzle virus with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Evaluate your plans carefully for where and when you are traveling and working with your horse.

Further Information:

Current Disease Origin – Canada
Largest Recent Outbreak Source – National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah
Current States with Identified Cases: Alberta Canada, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington
Resource Links:
UC Davis link http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

EHV - 1 Virus

**If you have updated information or suggested resource links, please submit them for posting asap