December 5, 2024 – The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the past year. It’s been an exciting one at the Foundation and we wanted to recap a few of the most impactful findings of 2024.
Wild Chimpanzee Health – A new study showed that asymptomatic adults unknowingly carry human respiratory viruses that infect chimpanzees, resulting in serious disease and even death. The team’s findings could have a major impact in how wildlife managers protect wild chimpanzees in parks and preserves around the world.
Canine UTI Treatment – Researchers found that bladder infusion with a non-disease-causing bacteria was effective in treating chronic urinary tract infections in dogs. This stunning finding could provide a new, antibiotic-free way to treat this common and difficult health problem.
Chronic Osteoarthritis in Horses – Identifying discomfort caused by osteoarthritis in horses isn’t as easy as it sounds. A team from the Netherlands hopes their new questionnaire will help veterinarians and horse caretakers spot subtle signs of osteoarthritis early. Early detection means early intervention and less pain and suffering for thousands of horses.
EEG in Cats – A Foundation-funded team based in Canada cause quite a stir when they demonstrated a new technique to measure brain activity in awake cats. They found that knitted caps helped keep the electrodes in place and, surprisingly, didn’t seem to bother the cats! The team is using this technique as part of a bigger project to assess pain perception in cats with osteoarthritis.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Health – Researchers in New Zealand published findings on the underlying cause of two serious diseases decimating hoiho penguin chicks. Their findings are helping conservation efforts, including vaccine development, focused on saving the species.
Cancer and Exposure to Chlorinated Byproducts – Veterinary scientists, including the Foundation’s own Dr. Julia Labadie, published results that suggest exposure to chlorinated byproducts, such as swimming pool water, were associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer.
Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses – In some horses, insect bites can cause severe itching, sometimes severe enough to affect a horse’s quality of life. A Foundation-funded team developed a new allergy shot that significantly helped some horses suffering from insect bite hypersensitivity. This finding could help thousands of horses suffering from this disease.
FIP mRNA Vaccine – It’s been a lot of work, but our funded researchers, building on lessons learned from the development of human COVID mRNA vaccines, are getting closer to creating a similar vaccine targeting feline infectious peritonitis virus. If successful, this vaccine could prevent hundreds of deaths each year.
Science to Save Animals Starts with YOU!
Innovative animal health research takes vision as well as financial investment. That’s why Morris Animal Foundation, with the generous support of our donors, continues to fund this important work to change the odds for animals suffering from diseases and painful health conditions. DONATE TODAY and support critical science to save the animals you love!