The aim of B. Sc. Thesis was to survey the use of genetic tests for breeding purposes in the breeding associations which maintain registries for American Quarter Horses. We focused on the six most common genetic diseases for which testing is available, their clinical signs, known causes, consequences and treatment options. For the purpose of comparion of their respective regulations, the main association in the USA, the largest European Affiliate in Germany and the Slovenian Affiliate were used. We checked the state of the breed and the measures taken by the individual associations to prevent the uncontrolled spreading of the genetic diseases in the population. A large part of the population carries genes that cause diseases, especially subpopulations of horses in highly specialized competition disciplines. Breed associations are mostly aware of the risks and are trying to find solutions to the problem, but not thoroughly, which might be because of difficult implementation of mandatory testing and selecion in the breed that counts several million horses.
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