Background
A genetic marker test for resistance towards E.coli F4ab_ac diarrhoea in pigs, is now available. VHL has reached agreement about the license to perform genetic marker testing for the resistance towards E. coli F4ab (K88ab) and E. coli F4ac (K88ac). The test enables the identification of E. coli F4ab_ac resistant pigs and carriers of resistance. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) that express F4ab and F4ac (formerly known as K88ab and K88ac) are major causes of diarrhoea and death in neonatal and young pigs. Studies in Denmark have shown that ETEC F4ab_ac is present in around 25 percent of the reported diarrhoea cases. A DNA-test to predict the susceptibility towards ETEC F4ab_ac-induced diarrhoea and possible death has been developed in a collaboration between the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark, Uppsala University, Sweden, University of Kalmar, Sweden and The Roslin Institute, United Kingdom. The DNA-test is marker-based but complete linkage disequilibrium was found in the tested populations so far. Please contact us for additional details about the
Background
of the test.
Test specific information
Two genetic markers exist for E.coli resistance, one identified as F18 and one identified as F4 (K88ab and K88ac).
Age
The genetic factor is continuously present, and will always be visible.
Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 15 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
Breed dependence
For this test samples from all breeds are accepted.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Semen, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
An animal can be free and has in that situation two healthy alleles. When used in breeding this animal will not become ill due to the disease. It cannot spread the disease in the population.An animal can be carrier and has in that situation one healthy and one disease allele. When used in breeding 50 percent of the offspring will receive the disease allele. Carriers will not become ill.An animal can be affected and has in that situation two disease alleles. When used in breeding all offspring will also receive the disease allele. Affected will become ill.
Inheritance
This genetic factor is inherited in an autosomal, recessive, mode. This means, that the individual can be free of the disease (homozygote normal), affected (homozygous affected) or carrier (heterozygous). Carriers may spread the mutation in a population without showing symptoms themselves. Because of this, it is extremely important to identify carriers correctly to prevent spreading of a mutation.
Severity of Disease
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