completed studies
Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than $51 million in research to protect, treat, and cure the world’s companion animals and wildlife.
Along the way, our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. You can search our completed-study database by species and/or disease to learn more about our successes.
INSTRUCTIONS - Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.
D05ZO-613: “Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Grevy's Zebras, Plains Zebras, Other Wildlife Species, and Livestock in the Sambura Landscape, Kenya”
principal investigator: Sophie E. Knafo, student, Tufts University
completed
Project Mentor: Gretchen Kaufman, DVM
The Grevy’s zebra is an endangered species whose principal range is the Samburu landscape in northern Kenya. This range is also used by local farmers to graze livestock. The close association of the Grevy’s with livestock may promote the transmission of diseases including gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to describe the distribution of GI parasites in Grevy’s zebras, plains zebras, and domestic donkeys and cattle in the Samburu landscape using fecal and soil samples. It was found that the zebras and livestock carry similar parasite species. This study can serve as a starting point for compiling a baseline of parasites and parasitism rates of wild and domestic animals in northern Kenya.
Emi says, “I met the local people of the Samburu region, and this personal connection I now have with the place has solidified my desire to continue working on projects which jointly benefit wildlife, human, and ecosystem health.”
