A congenital skin disorder observed since 2010 in the Rotes Höhenvieh breed is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive trait. Affected calves show a dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) characterized by a large loss of skin distal to the fetlocks and at the mucosa of the muzzle. Affected calves must be euthanized on humane grounds due to the severity, extent and progression of the defect. We identified the causative mutation and developed a genetic test, which allows the unequivocal detection of carriers.

Contact: Cord Drögemüller

Scientific publications