Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome, referred to as FIS, is an inherited, recessive disease.  FIS foals can only be produced by matings between two carriers. There is no cure for a foal that is born with FIS, as the foal develops fatal anemia along with a compromised immune system, and typically succumb to the disease between the ages of 4-6 weeks.

The genetic likelihood of a carrier to carrier mating creating an affected foal is 1 out of 4. It is interesting to note that there is an equal chance, 1 out of 4, that a carrier to carrier mating creates a foal that is FIS Clear.

Fortunately, in today's modern world of breeding Fell Ponies, it is now possible to test for this variant, allowing breeders to identify carriers amongst breeding stock. Matings between carriers can now choose to be avoided, to reduce the risk of syndrome affected foal losses to breeders.

Please take care that ponies which test FIS Clear should not be construed as being 'better quality' or higher value than FIS Carrier ponies. Both carrier and clear ponies must continue to be bred from in order to maintain the genetic integrity of the Fell Pony breed worldwide.

The image at left shows a syndrome foal. They will have every appearance of a normal foal from birth, until the passive immunity they received from their dam begins to wane, and the disease takes its toll.

FPSNA has a long-standing affiliation with Texas A&M University, and is our recommended testing laboratory in North America. The form needed is available here on our website:

https://www.fpsna.org/resources/Documents/FISTestFormCurrent.pdf

The Fell Pony Society requests that FIS samples are obtained by a licensed veterinarian, who should verify the microchip number of your pony and provide their signature to the testing form.

Although submissions can be signed by an agent or owner, the results can not then be accepted by the FPS for use as a material inclusion in the pony's passport.

Texas A&M Order Process:

Pay for your FIS testing cost directly via Texas A&M using the following link. This will create a resulting order number, which you should include on the mail-in FIS form, along with your hair samples. The custom order form requires you to enter the cost ($35 per FIS test) to complete the order:

https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products-FIStest/

The address at Texas A&M to mail the sample and form to is provided on the FIS test form.

Owners who wish to have FIS test results included in their pony's passports can forward final lab results, along with the passport to: The Fell Pony Society, Bank House, Boroughgate, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6XF, for recording. The updated Passport will then be returned to you.