DENVER, Oct 28, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Helping animals enjoy longer,
healthier lives requires ongoing scientific animal health research to give
veterinarians the tools they need to better diagnose and treat animals. Morris
Animal Foundation, a world leader in supporting research to prevent, treat and
even cure disease in companion animals, horses and wildlife, has committed to
funding more than 200 animal health studies in 2010, with support for those
studies totaling $13 million over the next three years. Read full descriptions
of the current studies at www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/studies.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/LA13175LOGO)
Funding will be provided to established researchers as well as new researchers,
veterinary student scholars and veterinarians pursuing advanced study. Studies
will take place at more than 60 of the world's most elite veterinary colleges,
zoological institutions and scientific research centers.
The Foundation will support more than 50 canine health studies that will
research blood and eye disorders, infectious diseases, orthopedic problems, pain
management, early retirement of guide dogs and urinary problems. A number of
cancer studies, funded by the nonprofit's Canine Cancer Campaign, will look at
multiple aspects of canine cancer prevention and treatment.
The 24 feline health research studies address asthma, cancer, gastrointestinal
problems, heart disease, kidney disease, pain management and urinary problems. A
special fellowship project and three studies that look at transmission of upper
respiratory infection in shelter cats are being funded by the Foundation's Happy
Healthy Cat Campaign. The campaign will also support a major genetics project to
be launched in 2010.
The selection of 17 equine studies involves equine health research into
genetics, foal diseases, laminitis, infectious diseases and colic. In addition,
the Foundation will provide significant funding for its Equine Consortium for
Genetic Research, a group of the world's best equine researchers who are working
on multiple collaborative projects to improve equine health through genetics.
An additional six health studies related to nutrition, genetics and infectious
parasites will help llamas and alpacas. The Foundation is also the leader in
wildlife health funding, with 42 studies designed to improve reproduction and
nutrition and to decrease infectious disease in a host of animals, including
anteaters, bears, birds, amphibians, elephants, primates, marine life, wolves,
wild cats and many more.
In response to the growing shortage of veterinary scientists needed to improve
animal health, Morris Animal Foundation designated $3.1 million of the $13
million toward training new scientists. More than 60 students will receive
short-term grants through the Veterinary Student Scholars program, which gives
students interested in animal health and welfare the opportunity to work with a
mentor on research projects and encourages them to consider a career in
veterinary research.
The new Pfizer Animal Health-Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Fellowships for
Advanced Study provides annual funding for veterinary professionals to pursue
advanced study that will lead to careers in research. Eight veterinarians
entered the program in September 2009, and an additional four fellows will begin
September 2010. Additional training programs are being funded at Colorado State
University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Minnesota.
Individuals and groups have a unique opportunity to help animals through
sponsorships of these studies. Co-sponsorships begin at $3,000 per study.
Sponsorship information is available at
www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/studies/sponsor-a-study, by calling 800.243.2345
or by e-mailing sponsorship@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Media Contact: Tina M. Martinez
tmartinez@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
800.243.2345
SOURCE Morris Animal Foundation
URL: http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org
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