Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has committed more than $500,000 toward 12 new and continuing veterinary studies for horses in 2006.

Foundation-funded scientists at universities throughout the United States will study issues including foal diseases, colic, endotoxemia, genetic diseases, laminitis, neurologic disorders, and pain management. Through a previously funded collaborative effort, MAF contributed to the discovery of the cause, treatment, and vaccine development to prevent Potomac horse fever. An ongoing foundation-funded, multi-institutional study is providing important information in the development of the equine genome. Other past studies revealed information that led to the development of a test to detect carriers of the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) gene in horses