ApHC HYPP Rule Changes

Given the following:

HYPP FACT SHEET
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is an inherited disease that leads to uncontrolled muscle twitching or profound muscle weakness, and in severe cases, may lead to collapse and/or death.
HYPP is listed as a genetic defect in AQHA's rules, along with Parrot Mouth and Cryptorchid conditions.
To date, HYPP only has been traced to descendants of IMPRESSIVE, #0767246.
Having negative (N/N) results on file may prevent a horse's offspring from being tested.
Foals born in 1998 and later and tracing to IMPRESSIVE will have a statement placed on their Certificates of Registration that recommends testing for the condition unless test results indicating the foal is negative (N/N) are on file with AQHA.
AQHA will test any foals who are required to be parentage verified and who trace to IMPRESSIVE for HYPP prior to them being registered. This testing will be performed with the same DNA sample submitted to the laboratory for parentage verification.
AQHA will accept HYPP test results only if performed through a licensed laboratory. These currently include: University of California at Davis, Shelterwood Laboratory, Mann Equitest Lab in Guelph, Ontario, Vita-Tech Canada Inc., Markham, Ontario and NSW Agriculture. Other laboratories are in the process of being licensed.
Possible results of HYPP testing are N/N, N/H and H/H.
HYPP is inherited as a dominant trait, which means a heterozygous (N/H) stallion or mare bred to a normal (N/N) horse will result in approximately half of the offspring being affected and half being normal. The rare homozygote (H/H) usually is severely affected with the disease and will pass the gene to its offspring 100 percent of the time.
HYPP can be treated through diet and medication in most cases.


AQHA current rules regarding HYPP testing:

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) - designation effective for
foals born on or after January 1, 1998. A muscular disease caused by a
hereditary defect that leads to uncontrollable muscle twitching or profound
muscle weakness, and in severe cases, may lead to collapse and/or death.
According to research, this condition exists in certain descendants of the
stallion Impressive, AQHA registration number 0767246.

(1) The following notification shall be placed on registration
certificates of foals descending from the stallion Impressive or any other
bloodline determined to carry the HYPP gene:
"This horse has an ancestor known to carry HYPP, designated under
AQHA rules as a genetic defect. AQHA recommends testing to confirm presence or
absence of this gene."

When the parent(s) tracing from the HYPP line has tested negative for
HYPP with the appropriate designation appearing on their registration
certificate, the above notification is not required, and will,
instead, be substituted by the designation "N/N"; or after testing negative for
the gene, the notification may be substituted by the designation "N/N"
upon request of the owner at his or her expense.

(2) Mandatory testing for HYPP. At such time as AQHA requires
mandatory parentage verification of any foals to be registered in either the
numbered or appendix registry, any foal tracing to bloodlines known to carry
the HYPP gene, shall be tested for HYPP at the time the genetic testing
for parentage is performed. The results will be designated on the
registration certificate in lieu of the above notification. Such testing will not
be necessary if the foal's closest ancestors, tracing to the HYPP line,
have been tested negative, and designated on their registration
certificates, which foals will automatically be designated "N/N" on their
registration certificate. Taken from the AQHA Rulebook

We propose the ApHC immediately take action to meet AQHAs current rules regarding the testing and documentation of Impressive bred Appaloosas and their HYPP status.
Furthermore, we urge the ApHC to seriously consider adopting the first AQHA proposal for the eradication of HYPP. We strongly support and promote the October 17, 03 recommendation by AQHA Studbook & Registration Committee:

1. Rule 227 will be amended making foals of the calendar year 2006 & after ineligible for registration if they are descendants of the stallion Impressive, AQHA #0767246 & found to by HYPP Positive (H/H).

2. Additionally, Rule 227 will be amended to provide that foals of 2010 & later that are found to be HYPP positive (N/H) will only be eligible for registration as Geldings or Non-breeding mares.


For further information on HYPP, please visit our website at http://www.nnalliance.org
The N/N Alliance is for owners and breeders of Impressive and non-Impressive bloodlines in the popular stock horse breeds: AQHA, APHA, ApHC, ApHCC, and PHBA. This group is formed to organize an alliance of breeders willing to advertise, promote, breed and market HYPP N/N horses, during this transition time of eradicating a genetic defect called HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis) in registered horses.

This group is formed to send a strong message to the governing industries that a speedy end to the genetic defect called HYPP must be legislated and regulated.

The N/N Alliance purpose is to promote the October 17, 2003 recommendation by AQHA Studbook & Registration Committee.

PETITION

ATTN: ApHC Board of Directors:
We, the undersigned, are ApHC members in good standing. We represent a wide range of economic, educational, political, social, and religious backgrounds. In spite of this, we have one thing in common. We care about the Appaloosa Horse. We feel that it is necessary for the Appaloosa Horse Club to uphold their animal welfare position statement and consider the welfare of the horse as the primary consideration. Whether or not the AQHA passes their proposal, changes will eventually occur within the AQHA and will seriously impact the ApHC if our club does nothing to prepare. Therefore, we propose the ApHC, at a minimum, stop the addition of further positive horses into our breed by allowing only those AQHA out crosses to N/N Impressive bred Quarter Horses or non-Impressive bred Quarter Horses. Additionally, we propose an HYPP test requirement for all hardship registrations. Any horses found to be HYPP positive (H/H) be ineligible for registration and those to be found HYPP positive (N/H) will only be eligible for registration as Geldings or Non- breeding mares The future of the Appaloosa rests with these timely and critical decisions. Thank you for taking time to consider the past, present and future of our beloved breed.