Morris funds research on canine influenza, other animal health issues

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Morris Animal Foundation will fund research on canine influenza and many other animal health issues in 2010, with support for more than 200 studies totaling $13 million over the next three years.

The foundation is funding a new three-year study of canine influenza to help shelters develop effective testing and control methods to limit the effects of the disease. Dr. Gabriele A. Landolt of Colorado State University will lead the project in partnership with six shelters across the country and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Since 2005, Morris has provided nearly half a million dollars in funding to study canine influenza.

The foundation is supporting other new studies in 2010 relevant to the health of dogs, cats, horses, llamas, alpacas, and a variety of wildlife species. The foundation's Canine Cancer Campaign will fund research regarding the prevention and treatment of cancer in dogs. The Happy Healthy Cat Campaign will fund three studies investigating the transmission of upper-respiratory-tract infection in shelter cats, among other projects. Morris also will provide major funding for its Equine Consortium for Genetic Research.

The foundation will devote about $3 million of the $13 million in funding to training new veterinary scientists. Morris offers short-term research grants through its Veterinary Student Scholars program and partnered last year with Pfizer Animal Health to provide Veterinary Fellowships for Advanced Study for veterinarians pursuing research careers.