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Morris Animal Foundation's current studies will give animals longer, healthier lives.

Each year Morris Animal Foundation funds more than 200 health studies to improve the health of dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas and numerous wildlife species. Our support also trains the next generation of veterinary scientists to meet future animal health needs.

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.

D06ZO-049: Investigating Health Threats to Conserve Endangered African Wild Dogs

principal investigator: Rosie Woodroffe D.Phil., University of California/Davis

Nearly Complete

sponsorship not needed

Year: 2 of 2. $15,382

Years ago, African wild dogs roamed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Fewer than 6,000 remain in the wild today, making this species one of the world's most endangered predators. The populations continue to decline due to human encroachment and habitat fragmentation. Infectious diseases, particularly those spread by domestic dogs, have already caused huge declines in some populations and are a major threat to this species' existence. Currently, little is known about how disease spreads between domestic dogs and African wild dogs. This study will investigate disease transmission between these two groups. The information learned will greatly help conservation scientists develop effective management tools to protect this vulnerable species.