14 RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2024 The EGRC is the equine genetics testing laboratory which is responsible for parentage verification of all registered Thoroughbreds born in Australia. In the 2023 - 2024 season, we maintained an average turnaround time of less than a week for the Australian Stud Book, alongside providing DNA profiling and genetic testing services for 25 non-Thoroughbred Stud Books. EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE REPORT The services to non-Thoroughbred breed associations include DNA profiling, parentage verification, and testing for DNA mutations that cause genetic disorders or specific coat colours and patterns. The EGRC currently tests for 17 genetic diseases, 23 coat colours and patterns, and one gait marker. Testing for the non-Thoroughbred associations increased in the last financial year by over 30% for both numbers of horses tested and actual tests performed. We perform standard DNA analysis in horses on hair cells, found at the pulled ends of mane or tail hairs. The EGRC also offers DNA testing of non-standard samples including blood, semen and muscle, in addition to forensic analysis of samples for integrity purposes, such as positively identifying stolen horses. The EGRC is one of only a few equine genetics laboratories internationally that offers pathogen testing alongside traditional genetic testing. This uses a DNA identification method called PCR to detect agents that cause disease (pathogens) in horses. In 2023 – 2024 this service included pathogens that commonly cause respiratory symptoms and abortions, alongside the original menu of Klebsiella pneumoniae (serotypes 1, 2, and 5), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the pre-breeding panel. Pathogen testing has a same day turnaround on weekdays if submitted before 10am, allowing farms to make informed management and treatment decisions more quickly. Internationally, the EGRC has maintained its reputation as a world leader in the field of equine gene doping detection with the Director continuing her position as the Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Gene Doping Control Sub-Committee and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC)’s Gene Doping Expert Committee (GDEC). Members of the EGRC have presented at the International Conference of Racing Analysts & Veterinarians and attended the International Society of Animal Genetics conference to ensure we keep up to date with developments in all areas of equine genetics research. Dr. Natasha Hamilton Equine Genetics Research Centre Director
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