Doha, Qatar - In an effort to promote the highest standards for Arabian breeding and assist with ongoing research efforts, officials of Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation, have tested three-time world champion sire Marwan Al Shaqab for the genetic neurological condition, Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA).

Results from the University of California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory were negative and ruled out that Marwan Al Shaqab "possess markers associated with CA."As leaders in the Arabian breeding industry, and owners of the world most prominent sires, it is our responsibility to assist in helping safeguard against this disease," said William Oppen, Manager of Al Shaqab's Breeding & Show Division. "It is our goal to promote the industry and its growth.

Testing for CA will assist veterinary professionals with their research and bring a greater understanding of this disease to the equine world."Research on Cerebellar Abiotrophy is ongoing at the University of California, Davis. Veterinarians have determined that it is possible for a horse to carry the disease without being affected by it. In the event that two carriers of CA are bred there is a 25 percent chance their offspring will be affected.

For further information regarding CA, please refer to the University of California at Davis website at http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/genomic/cerebellar/

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