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Small Genome-wide association study of insect bite hypersensitivity in Hucul horses
A Błaszczak1, K Olczak2, M Stefaniuk-Szmukier3
1Department of Farm Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Horse Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
|March 22, 2026
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) in Hucul horses. A genome-wide association study identified potential regulatory variants on chromosome 20, near the DST gene, linked to IBH susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Equine genetics
- Animal dermatology
- Allergy research
Background:
- Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a common allergic skin condition in horses.
- IBH significantly impacts horse welfare and has a known genetic basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic architecture of IBH in Hucul horses.
- To identify genomic regions associated with IBH susceptibility using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 127 Hucul horses (affected and controls) using the Equine80K BeadChip microarray.
- DNA extraction and analysis from hair samples.
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) to pinpoint IBH-associated loci.
Main Results:
- No genome-wide significant associations were found.
- Suggestive associations with IBH were identified on chromosomes ECA5, ECA15, and ECA20.
- The strongest signal on ECA20 was a region upstream of the DST gene, potentially involving regulatory variants.
Conclusions:
- A genetic component underlies IBH susceptibility in Hucul horses.
- Potential regulatory variants on chromosome 20, near the DST gene, are implicated.
- Further research is needed to identify causal mutations and inform breeding strategies.
