Last March, Winn announced the funding of 11 new feline health research projects for a total of $214,017, our largest grant review yet. Each year, Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. To date, Winn’s cumulative total in feline health research funding exceeds $6 million.
Winn is seeking donations of $250 and up to sponsor specific projects. Sponsors will receive progress reports as they are available and copies of any publications that result from the project that are provided by the investigators. Your help in sponsoring these projects means Winn can fund even more research next year.
W17-011: Preventing gammaherpesvirus1 and lymphoma in cats
Principal Investigators: Julia Beatty, PhD, Mahdis Aghazadeh, PhD, Vanessa Barrs, PhD; University of Sydney; $23,073
A virus (Felis catus gammaherpesvirus1 or FcaGHV1) that can cause cancer (lymphoma) in other species has been recently discovered in cats. This study looks for the presence of this virus in feline lymphoma cells. If found, it may be possible to prevent lymphoma by vaccination.
W17-021: Plasma analysis to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of FIP
Principal Investigators: Gregg Dean, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Kelly Santangelo, DVM, PhD, DACVP; Colorado State University; $25,000
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats that causes vague symptoms and currently defies diagnosis. This study uses a novel approach to develop a simple test using plasma biomarkers for diagnosing this devastating disease.
W17-031: Shelter cat adoption in families of children with autism
Principal Investigators: Gretchen Carlisle, PhD, Rebecca Johnson, PhD, University of Missouri; $24,996
It is widely thought that companion animals, such as cats, benefit children with autism, but definite studies are lacking. This study quantifies the effects and benefits of cat ownership on autistic children as well as evaluates the degree of stress on these cats.
Sponsorship is easy! Simply pick one of the projects below seeking sponsors ($250 minimum donation). Go to our website http://www.winnfelinefoundation.org for more information on the project and to make your sponsorship donation online or download a donation form to mail to: 637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 336, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.