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Vets identify genetic cause of fatal condition in Thoroughbreds
EFIH is an invariably fatal condition that causes involuntary contraction of muscles and seizures in Thoroughbred foals.
Study of affected foals reveals a mutation in the RAPGEF5 gene.

A genetic cause of equine familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (EFIH) in Thoroughbreds has been identified by researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Researchers say their finding, reported in PloS Genetics, marks the first genetic variant for hypoparathyroidism identified in any domestic animal species. It is also the first widely available genetic test for Thoroughbreds.

“For Thoroughbred owners and breeders, the loss of a foal has tremendous economic and emotional impacts,” says first author Victor Rivas. “It is important to promote safe and strategic breeding habits by actively breeding horses genetically screened not only for EFIH but for other diseases that may impact quality of life.”

EFIH is is an invariably fatal condition that causes involuntary contraction of muscles and seizures in Thoroughbred foals. Foals with the disease typically have low levels of parathyroid - a hormone that controls calcium levels - and often die or are euthanised owing to poor prognosis.

In the study, researchers identified an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and performed whole-genome sequencing of two affected foals. They found that a mutation in the rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 5 (RAPGEF5) gene was present in two copies in both foals.

The team further analysed the variant and demonstrated loss-of-function of the RAPGEF5 protein leading to aberrant development. Their study concludes that RAPGEF5 could play a key role in the derivation of the parathyroid gland during development.

“The next steps are to assess the allele frequency in a large population of randomly selected Thoroughbreds,” explained study lead Dr Carrie Finno. “Additionally, we have discussed collaborating with Dr Nathan Slovis at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky to test for the variant in cases of ‘sudden death’ in Thoroughbred foals.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.