IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT PSSM 1 TESTING
PLEASE READ
GROUP 1 STUDBOOK BREEDING ANIMALS
Following discussions held at the AGM, and with immediate effect, the Society will introduce mandatory PSSM1 testing for all Group 1 Studbook eligible foals that are not already genetically negative by parentage. “Negative by parentage” means that the Society already holds verified clear test results for both parents on file. Group 1 Studbook means SB, Grade A, Grade B, Grade C, Grade D and Primary Register
As members may be aware, the recent introduction of our new registration structure ensures that all horses entering the new Supplementary Register, the new (Annexe Register Group 2), the new Fusion Group 3, and all of our graded Group 1 stallions are already confirmed free from PSSM1.
Until now, we have encouraged active breeders, broodmare owners to undertake testing voluntarily and, to their credit, many breeders have already done so. However, the Society believes the time has now come to take a responsible and proactive approach in leading the breed towards the long-term eradication of PSSM1 in the British Appaloosa!
Our aim is to ensure that our breeders can sell with confidence and that buyers can purchase BApS stock with equal confidence in the future of the breed.
As part of our Anniversary Year initiatives, breeders are currently receiving a 50% discount on main studbook registrations. We hope this reduction will help offset a significant proportion of the cost involved in introducing genetic testing.
Breeders will now have two options:
1) Test breeding mares for PSSM1 clearance.
(Owners may contact the Society to arrange testing for their breeding mares. Once a mare is confirmed clear, then any of her foals by already-tested licensed BApS stallions will automatically be considered clear by parentage. This process only needs to be completed once per mare)
OR
2) Foal testing at the time of microchipping and description marking-up when the foal is being microchipped and marked up by the attending Veterinary Surgeon.
In all cases:
Samples must be placed in a sealed zip-lock bag and signed off by your vet. The Society will provide you with printable labels for this purpose or we are happy to post you out a kit in advance with labels attached. The sample should then be sent directly to the Registrar, who will then arrange testing prior to registration being completed. We will not accept tests you have chosen to do outside of the Society.
Please note that geldings and existing non-breeding registered stock will NOT be affected by this decision. This is not intended to be a blanket requirement across all registered horses, but rather a responsible step towards safeguarding and future-proofing the breed.
At present, these requirements will apply only to the specified registers and not to part-bred registrations or other categories. However, the Society is very happy to accept voluntary PSSM1 testing submissions from any register, and confirmed negative results will be officially recorded on our database and within your passports where applicable.
We are also more than happy if you choose us to utilise the panel testing available, so long as it is conducted through the Society.
We hope members will support this important initiative and work alongside the Society for the continued improvement and protection of the British Appaloosa breed.
Thank you for your continued support.
