Winn Feline Foundation
Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Executive Director
888-963-6946, extension 702
Media Info
Steve Dale, CABC
Media Contact and Winn Board Member
773-895-8696
Media Info
For Immediate Release
Wyckoff, NJ, June 7, 2016: Winn Feline Foundation is pleased and excited to announce a significant sponsorship from Biomed Diagnostics, Inc. supporting a 2016 Winn research grant award regarding Tritrichomonas foetus. T. foetus is a protozoal parasitic infection known to cause foul and relapsing bouts of diarrhea in cats. The drug ronidazole is currently accepted as the only known effective treatment, but reports indicate 36% of cats fail to clinically benefit from treatment with this drug and there are other safety concerns with its use.
Drs. Jody Gookin and Mark Papich of North Carolina State University head the project, W16-053, “Efficacy of a new treatment for cats with ronidazole-resistant Tritrichomonas foetus infection”. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of a recently identified alternative to ronidazole in treating cats with diarrhea caused by T. foetus. Dr Gookin commented, “It is such a privilege to receive sponsorship of our study from Biomed Diagnostics. Their significant financial contribution to the project reflects a genuine interest in helping to find a better and more effective treatment for the many cats suffering from chronic diarrhea caused by T. foetus infection. I thank Winn Feline Foundation for their efforts to seek out and find corporate partners, such as Biomed Diagnostics, that are willing to help support Winn’s mission to improve the lives of cats.”
From discussions with Biomed, the company states they are delighted to help support cutting-edge research toward more effectively treating the serious health condition of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats. Eli Beard, U.S. Marketing Manager, added, “Our company is dedicated to serving animal health and welfare and we are excited for the opportunity to assist in funding this particular critical research project advancing the understanding and treatment of T. foetus.”
Winn President, Dr. Glenn Olah, stated “All of us at Winn are deeply appreciative of the sponsorship provided by Biomed Diagnostics toward this study. Tritrichomonas foetus is a significant health problem for cats. Biomed’s generous support of Dr. Gookin’s and Dr. Papich’s study evaluating a new and potentially improved treatment for this disease helps Winn continue its mission of funding the best health studies benefiting “every cat, every day”. Biomed hopes their sponsorship of this important research will encourage other individuals and companies to also consider sponsoring this project.”
Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has funded over $5.5 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions world-wide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by Winn Feline Foundation helps veterinarians to improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. www.winnfelinefoundation.org.