Newly Funded Morris Animal Foundation Projects to Improve Equid Health and Well-being Announced

Researcher in lab using microscope to study slides related to improving horse health.
Researcher in lab using microscope to study slides related to improving horse health. Unknown

Newsdate: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 11:30 am
Location: DENVER, Colorado

Morris Animal Foundation has announced funding for 10 new equid health studies to improve the health and well-being of horses and their equine relatives.

Veterinarian treating a foal that has been seriously injured and is bleeding profusely.

Veterinarian treating a foal that has been seriously injured and is bleeding profusely.

Morris Animal Foundation has funded nearly $167 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date.
© 2016 by Keith Bowers New window.

“For thousands of years, horses and other equids have shared a unique bond with humans,” said Dr. Lara Croft, Veterinary Scientist at Morris Animal Foundation. “Our organization has a proud tradition of improving equine care and well-being, and these latest studies underscore our commitment to addressing the distinct health challenges faced by these remarkable animals.”  

Four award types received funding:  

  • Established Investigator: Designed for researchers with a track record of expertise demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications  
  • First Award: Designed to assist new faculty in establishing a successful research program
  • Pilot Study: Designed to fund proof-of-concept studies within the realm of animal health research  
  • Fellowship Training: Designed to assist new investigators in launching a successful research career by providing salary support in a quality mentoring environment  

Grant recipients and their topics are

  • Dr. Annelies Decloedt, Ghent University, Belgium — Researchers will study biomarkers in horses with heart disease to improve diagnosis and prognosis.  
  • Dr. Laura Huber, Auburn University — Researchers will look for genetic factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in Rhodococcus equi, a bacterium that causes foal pneumonia.  
  • Dr. Viju Vijuayan Pillai, Purdue University — Researchers will develop a synthetic form of the hormone equine chorionic gondadotropin, which could reduce the need for blood draws from horses.  
  • Dr. Adam Blanchard, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom — Researchers will study the bacterium that causes strangles, a serious and life-threatening disease.  
  • Dr. Lindsay St. George, University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom — Researchers will develop software for assessing gait in horses using data from new technology developed in a previous Foundation grant.  
  • Dr. Yosra Helmy, University of Kentucky Research Foundation – Researchers will develop alternative treatments for foal pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi.
  • Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Hartpury University, United Kingdom – Researchers will look at head motion as a proxy measurement for noseband pressure. Nosebands are commonly used in equestrian activities but are associated with welfare concerns.
  • Dr. Amerial Cameron, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom – Researchers will develop and validate a tool to help owners and veterinarians make end-of-life decisions for horses and other equids.
  • Dr. Lillian Haywood, North Carolina State University – Researchers will use 3D organoid cell cultures to study equine large intestinal electrolyte transport.
  • Dr. Soledad Martin-Pelaez, University of California, Davis – Researchers will study early pregnancy loss in horses.

About Morris Animal Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the worldhttps://www.morrisanimalfoundat on.org, funding nearly $167 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org .


Press release by Lindsey Washington

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This news article is a press release received by the organization or person noted above. Press releases from recognized horse health companies and individuals are frequently posted on EquiMed as a service to our visitors. Please contact the author of the press release directly for additional information.

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