research studies » current studies
In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund nearly 200 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as more than 40 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.
Category
D07ZO-647: Do Immune Responses to Heliobacter Change Over Time in Captivity in Wild-Caught Namibian Cheetahs
principal investigator: Samantha Haskins, Veterinary Student Scholar, University of Illinois
sponsorship not needed
Year: 1 of 1. $5,000
Captive cheetah populations are prone to debilitating diseases that are rare in wild populations of cheetahs, such as Helicobacter-associated gastritis. Wild cheetahs are infected with the same types of Helicobacter as captive cheetahs, but they do not develop gastritis unless they are held, even temporarily, in a captive setting. This is of concern because wild cheetahs are often captured and held due to conflicts with humans. Evidence has shown that being in captivity may cause chronic stress that alters the immune system of these cheetahs, possibly making them more susceptible to this disease. This study will evaluate how the immune response to Helicobacter changes during the course of five years in captivity. This study is part of a larger research program to better understand the potential detrimental impact of chronic stress. This information is invaluable for maintaining the health of wild and captive cheetah populations.
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