TTB, I think he's talking about cattle, specifically certain lines of herefords.
"Board Addresses Genetic Abnormality
The American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors has been researching the prospects of a newly identified genetic abnormality. Scientists from the University of Nebraska, the University of Illinois and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Station have all been involved in the investigation of a seizure-like syndrome that causes calves to go into a 10 minute to an hour epileptic seizure. Calves are known to go down on their side with legs rigidly outstretched with all muscles in a prolonged contracted state.
David Steffen from the University of Nebraska, the AHA's official identifier for genetic abnormalities, recently wrote to the Board and stated that there was now enough evidence and pedigree linkage to declare the problem a genetic defect and it should be treated as one according to the Association rules and guidelines.
Steffen named the defect Idiopathic Epilepsy. Based on Steffen's findings, along with other scientists, the Board officially approved the designation of the abnormality as a genetic defect at the recent spring board meeting.
In order to list animals that are carriers, the Association must document at least two confirmed cases produced by an animal with parentage verification through DNA. Very few animals have had two or more confirmed cases, but as soon as the breeders have been notified of the policy and given 30 days to respond, the animals will be listed in Hereford World magazine, on their pedigree, and on the AHA Web site.
More information on the genetic abnormality, how it can be managed and continued DNA research directed at finding a test will be included in the July Hereford World.
If you have questions regarding the abnormality or if you suspect you may have seen such symptoms in your own herd, contact Jack Ward, AHA chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, at [email protected] or (816) 842-3757."