Horses

Decades in the Making - A Breakthrough in the Hunt for a Vaccine Against Deadly Foal Pneumonia

A vaccine against deadly foal pneumonia might finally be within reach, thanks to Morris Animal Foundation-funded research conducted at two major universities. The breakthrough could potentially save the lives of thousands of foals every year.

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Our health study database, searchable by species or area of study, houses our funded research that is making a difference in the lives of animals across the globe.

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Some of Our Studies

From Tip to Tail

Veterinary Advances for Horses

Since 1959, we have invested over $20 million in more than 550 equine health studies. We’ve contributed to the development of genetic screening tests for multiple equine diseases, including combined immunodeficiency disease, equine type I polysaccharide storage myopathy, and lavender foal syndrome. We also provided timely funding which led to the discovery of the cause, and subsequent vaccine development for Potomac horse fever.

Since 800 BCE, when humans first started riding horses, these magnificent animals have held a special place in our hearts. Though largely working animals through most of their years of domestication, the horse also fills history and families with stories of heroism, stoicism, determination and companionship – from Sea Biscuit to therapy horses, working ponies to steadfast partners in the Old West – our equine companions deserve the healthiest lives we can give them.

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550+

Equine/Llama/Alpaca Studies Funded

7.6 million

Horses and camelids helped in the United States alone

Identifying Cancer-Causing Genes for Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common eye-related cancer in horses. Even with treatment, tumor recurrence is high, with approximately one in five patients experiencing cancer relapse.

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Investigating a New Treatment Strategy for Equine Asthma

Researchers noted increased levels of a specific protein in airway samples of horses with asthma when compared to healthy horses. In this study, the team will investigate if targeting this novel protein is a viable new therapeutic strategy to treat equine asthma.

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