At least the AQHA is embracing the research that's been done and urging their members to test their horses and breed responsibly.

Much better than saying 'Oh right, these researchers SAY they've got a problem with HERDA, but it's just a conspiracy to get your money. Don't fall for it, you're more likey to have a horse hit by lightning.'

Isn't there a sliding scale about how RARE a disease is in relation to how HORRIBLE it is? :\

I mean, so what if it's not EXTREMELY popular (though all signs, btw, are pointing to HERDA snowballing... but that's another thread), it's absolutely HORRIBLE for the horse involved.

I mean, it's not like HYPP, where the horse just seizes and drops dead, or seizes and then gets up and walks off. The horse at least had a decent quality of life, inbetween episodes. Not condoning HYPP or anything, but it just seems easier than HERDA.

With HERDA, the horse's SKIN is FALLING OFF. :eek

I'm assuming that it's terribly, and constantly, painful to the animal.