Foal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS)

General description

Foals with FIS appear to be normal at birth but within a few weeks develop secondary infections such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and a severe progressive anemia. The infections are resistant to treatment, and the foals die or are euthanized before three months of age.

Breeds

Dales pony, Fell pony

Order details
Test number8454
AbbreviationFIS
Sample material0.5 ml EDTA blood, mane/tail hair roots
Test duration7-14 working days
Test specifications
Symptom compleximmunological
Age of onseta few weeks after birth
Causalitycausally
LiteratureOMIA:001578-9796
Detailed description

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS) is a genetic disease that affects two related British pony breeds, namely the Fell and the Dales. Foals with FIS appear to be normal at birth but within a few weeks develop evidence of infection such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, etc. The infections are resistant to treatment, and the foals die or are euthanized before three months of age. The foals also suffer from a severe progressive anemia.