research studies » current studies
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.
Category
D08ZO-043: Treating Ear Mites in Island Foxes
principal investigator: Dr. Linda Munson, University of California/Davis
Co-sponsor: Anonymous
needs sponsorship
Current Year: $45,360
A catastrophic decline of about 95 percent in island foxes on Santa Catalina Island resulted in only approximately 100 surviving foxes and led to their 2004 endangered species listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This fox has an unusually high prevalence of ear canal cancer, whereas foxes on the other Catalina islands are not affected. This cancer causes considerable morbidity and may impact population recovery. Inflammation caused by ear mites may play a role in development of this cancer. This study plans to treat foxes on Santa Catalina Island for ear mites to assess whether inflammation can be reduced, with the goal of preventing cancer in this endangered population.
