Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) provides a unique opportunity for individuals or groups to help animals through health study sponsorship. In 2008, MAF will fund about 120 animal health studies, including 11 new and continuing studies for horses. Animal lovers are invited to sponsor or co-sponsor one of these studies with a total gift of $3,000 or more per study. The complete listing of 2008 studies and their descriptions is available at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org, or request a printed booklet by calling (800) 243-2345.

MAF has committed to funding more than $4.6 million in traditional animal health studies for 2008 alone and ongoing support of $10 million for these studies as they continue over the next three years. More than $500,000 will go toward equine studies in 2008. Areas of research include bone disorders, cancer, foal pneumonia, genetics, hereditary disorders (such as polysaccharide storage myopathy), laminitis and nutrition.

MAF is funding studies at nearly 50 of the world’s most elite veterinary colleges, zoological institutions and scientific research centers. The sponsorship booklet also details 43 canine studies, 17 feline studies, five llama/alpaca studies and 36 wildlife studies.

In addition to traditional studies, 30 Veterinary Student Scholars are conducting short-term health study projects at universities worldwide. The MAF-supported program is designed to help fill a critical need for training the next generation of veterinary scientists. Veterinary Student Scholars are given the opportunity to work with a mentor on research projects early in their careers, allowing them to consider a career in veterinary research. These projects are also available for sponsorship in 2008 and are listed on the MAF website.