This study will improve the alpaca whole genome sequence assembly for the discovery of genes and mutations responsible for important traits, genetic disorders and diseases in alpacas and other camelids.

Researchers will evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaccinating wild African dogs against canine distemper virus, a disease that threatens the long-term survival of this endangered species.

Researchers will investigate recent outbreaks of encephalomyocarditis virus, a rodent-borne virus that causes deaths in captive animals worldwide, most notably elephants.