10 RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2022 The EGRC is internationally renowned equine genetics testing laboratory which is responsible for parentage verification of all registered Thoroughbreds born in Australia. In the 2021 - 2022 season, we averaged turnaround times of less than a week for our main client, the Australian Stud Book, alongside providing DNA profiling and genetic testing services for around twentysix non-Thoroughbred Stud Books. The services to non-Thoroughbred breed associations included DNA profiling, parentage verification, and testing for DNA mutations that cause genetic diseases or are related to specific coat colours and patterns. The EGRC has expanded the variety of genetic tests offered to include sixteen genetic diseases and twenty-two colour patterns. Standard DNA analysis in horses is usually performed on hair cells, found at the pulled ends of mane or tail hairs. The EGRC also offers DNA testing of non-standard samples including equine blood, semen, and muscle. Forensic services include analysis of samples such as blood clots and plasma for integrity purposes. This service has been used to successfully identify stolen horses. In the 2021 breeding season, the EGRC became one of only a few equine genetics laboratories internationally that offer pathogen testing alongside traditional genetic testing. A pilot study was trialled to adapt a commonly used DNA identification method called PCR to detect bacteria that cause disease (pathogens) in horses. This method allows same day turnaround on results when the sample is dropped at the laboratory before 10am. PCR is highly sensitive and specific, allowing the identification of pathogen fragments even when the pathogen is no longer viable. The accurate and expeditious identification of the cause of infectious The EquineGenetics Research Centre (EGRC) performs parentage verification of Thoroughbreds &more than 25 other breed associations, alongside testing for 38 genetic disorders, coat colours & patterns. EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE REPORT disease allows managers to select the most suitable treatments for that disease. In turn, this will reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics and slow the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens. The pilot menu of Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule serotypes 1, 2, and 5, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa will be expanded in the 2022 breeding season. Internationally, the EGRC has maintained its reputation as a world leader in the field of equine gene doping detection with the Director maintaining their positions as the Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Gene Doping Control Sub-Committee and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) Gene Doping Expert Committee (GDEC). The AgriFutures funded project PRJ011777 “Science fact not fiction: Detecting gene edited racehorses” was completed in May. The Director also attended and presented at the International Horse Genome Workshop Conference in July. Dr. Natasha Hamilton Equine Genetics Research Centre Director
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