Foal Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome

[dalesponyrider]

Thanks so much for this Maggie. I would be very interested obviously as it was me that asked for an informal meeting in the first place! I am free most of October but am already booked on a course in Devon Wed 21st, Thurs 22nd and Fri 23rd October so PLEASE, PLEASE could you avoid those dates? Tues 20th and Sat 24th may be difficult too as I will be travelling to and from Devon. As long as I get plenty of notice I can come any time other than that in October and don't mind if it's mid week or weekend.

[dalesponyrider]

Just heard that I've got a visitor coming to stay 9th - 10th October too!

[lucydales]

Thurs pm to Sunday am best for me please Maggie.
Many thanks for sorting this.

[cadeby]

Don't think I can make it so could someone take detailed minutes or maybe even video it please?

[greydales]

If possible the weekend would be better if people are coming from far away? I'd like to come if I can, but would need to have Dave here to look after the animals and probably have to stay over somewhere. However go with the majority!

[zeldalithgow]

I'd like to come but suspect it will be too difficult to arrange, as I need someone to drive me and someone to animal sit -sheesh why didn't I learn to drive

[Debbie]

I'd be very keen to hear how this goes. And big Kudos to Penny and Maggie for being brave enough, and interested enough in the breed we so love to bring this to light.

It is so hard to lose any foal, but to face what both of these phenomenal women have, and be willing to continue to throw themselves into the trenches to fight. Ladies, you have my undying admiration!!!!

[valerie n scout]

this is the first time ive posted, as I only have a gelding and cant comment re breeding, tho its been and enlightening, read and very sad... a friend had a fell mare bought very elderly and she had an awful lots of babies not all of them registered,need to add (Ros didnt breed) just bought her and loved her till the day she died at a ripe old age.
I would like to pop along just to listen and meet up with you guys x

[dalesponyrider]

There has been a letter sent out to all members of the DPS regarding a meeting at the Parish Hall, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, for the purpose of discussing the Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome, and the recently discovered carrier test.

Quoting from the letter -

"Laura Fox-Clipsham and June Swinburn will be attending from the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket and it is also hoped that Professor Carter from the University of Liverpool, and Paul May from Penrith will be present. These Vets and experts have all been involved with the research on the syndrome for years, and are responsible for the discovery of a carrier test.

All members are welcome, and there will be ample time for questions on the foal syndrome and the new carrier test. Members of Council will also be present, and although there will be no decisions taken about how the carrier test will be used, they will be interested to hear member's views on the subject.

The meeting will begin at 1.30pm and will run until about 4.00pm, when refreshments will be available. Members wishing to find out about Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Barnard Castle should ring the Tourist Information office on 01833 690909. In case of bad weather, please ring Freda Longstaff on .............(I have not made this telephone number public as members should have it in their own letter) to check the meeting is going ahead.

We look forward to seeing as many members as possible to hear about this genetic problem, and how best to avoid syndrome foals in the future.

J. Ashby
Secretary."

[dalesponyrider]

Isn't it great that these good people are giving up their time to organise and attend this meeting? I'm sure many of us will be there, and like me, will be very, very grateful for the chance to listen to the experts and ask questions.

[harleydales]

There was a bit about the test in the Scottish Farmer magazine, with regard to Fells but it mentioned that Dales are susceptible as well.

Unfortunately I am unable to go, but yes, it is fantastic that people are prepared to give up time and effort on this important issue. I hope lots of people are able to go and can report back to the rest of us.

[Anna]

It's too short a notice period for me to attend.

In my opinion it's a really bad time of year to organise a meeting and expect anyone who lives outside the Dales to attend. It sends an interesting message to those of us who aren't big name 'local' breeders.

To be honest Heather, I think its the only time they can have the meeting to canvas peoples opinions and thoughts so some sort of council decision can be made or thought about BEFORE stallion licensing goes ahead this year which is January/February time. If they left it to the summer they would be accused of not acting quick enough I'm sure.

The test is available from February the first therefore time is short now, the FPS has already had their meeting last week and the DPS does not need (imo) to be waiting until better weather or a better time of year whatever that may be for such an important meeting.

Just my opinion and I don't see any interesting message either, just a need to get on with things and get this sorted before the breeding season starts.

[jap]

if its any help ,Heather and anyone else, we have reserved the farmhouse for this weekend.There are 10 or 12 places,depending on who wants to share, two of which are already taken.Please pm me if you want a bed for the night.

[dollylanedales]

I am pleased that the meeting is going ahead so quickly. As someone who intends to breed from two of their girls, a Dales and a Fell this year, I want to know as much as possible about the testing procedure.

I will do my best to be at the meeting, weather permitting of course!! Its not ideal at this time of year being a three hour drive each way, and having to get back for feeding all the animals, but I do think its important to do my best to attend, when people have taken the time to organise the meeting.

[lancslass]

we will be there. we attended the fps meeting, and the "talk" the experts give to you is very explanatory and they make very technical stuff very easy to understand.