Pony owners now have a better chance at safeguarding their future pets from a fatal equine condition.

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a devastating genetic condition for which there is currently no cure.

The disorder tends to affect Fell and Dale ponies and proves fatal in all cases of the disease.

However, a diagnostic test has been launched by the Animal Health Trust and the University of Liverpool that can detect carriers of the syndrome, so equine breeders can avoid mating animals who have the faulty genes.

June Swinburne, a scientist who helped create the device, has encouraged pony fans to get their animals tested.

"I'd urge any breeders of Fell or Dales ponies to submit samples in order to arm themselves with the facts they need to prevent the birth of affected foals," she said.

Meanwhile the British Veterinary Association recently cautioned against administering worming medication to equines who have not been accurately weighed or had faecal eggs counts carried out, as this may lead to immunity to the drugs.