The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Board of Directors voted March 9 on the recommendations of the AQHA standing committees as approved in the general membership meeting at the annual convention. The following are the final results of the vote regarding hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and the “white rule.”

HYPP

HYPP is a genetic disease characterized by sporadic episodes of generalized muscle tremors and stiffness accompanied by elevated serum levels of potassium (learn more about HYPP on page 103). The board voted that foals of 2007 and later tracing to the stallion Impressive be required to be parentage verified and tested for HYPP subject to the guidelines in rule 205 (c) (1).

In addition, foals of 2007 and later testing homozygous positive for HYPP (H/H) will not be eligible for registration with AQHA. The board also supported a recommendation made by the AQHA Executive Committee to commence an education and awareness campaign informing the membership of the effects of HYPP