current studies
In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund about 120 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as 30 veterinary student projects.
We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.
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.
D07ZO-303: “Investigation of the Eyes of Red Tailed Hawks Naturally Infected with West Nile Virus (WNV)”
principal investigator: Dr. Arno Wünschmann, University of Minnesota
needs sponsorship
year: 1 of 1: $25,121.00
West Nile Virus causes disease and death in many bird and mammal species. After its arrival in New York City in 1999, the disease quickly spread to the West Coast within four years. In red-tailed hawks and humans, West Nile infects the eyes, causing vision impairment. Currently, little is understood about this disease process. Scientists don’t know which cells the virus targets in the eyes of these birds or what effect the infection has on these cells. This study will investigate the effects of WNV on the retina of the eyes of naturally infected hawks by applying various methodologies, most importantly electron microscopy. Better knowledge of West Nile could enable veterinarians to better diagnose and treat birds infected with this disease.
