Current Research Projects
(Click photo for detailed information)
Dr. Sergey Artiushin
Molecular studies of Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Leptospira
interrogans.
Dr. Ernest Bailey
Development of the horse gene map and DNA sequence
Dr. Udeni Balasuriya
Characterization of the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of equine arteritis
virus (EAV) infection of horses, development of improved recombinant vaccines to
prevent infection of horses with this; and improved tests to diagnose the infection.
Dr. Thomas Chambers
International Reference Laboratory for equine influenza
Dr. Frank Cook
Studies of equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) a lenti-virus closely related to
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that has the capability to infect all members
of the horse family. Currently working with a group at the Irish Equine Center on
the molecular characterization of the strain responsible for the recent outbreak
of this virus in Ireland. When completed, this will provide valuable information
about the variability of this virus at the global level and so aid in the design
of potential therapeutic agents.
Dr. Roberta Dwyer
Clinical research involving bio-security and equine infectious diseases
Dr. Barry Fitzgerald
Investigation of how obesity and associated insulin resistance disrupts reproductive
activity in the mare.
Dr. David Horohov
Identification and characterization of equine cytokines and their role in protective
and pathologic immune responses. Current research projects are focused on determining
the underlying mechanism responsible for the foal’s immune system deficit and identifying
the ways to increase foal resistance to Rhodococcus and other infectious agents.
In addition to identifying methods to improve the immune function in geriatric horses.
Dr. Daniel Howe
Molecular studies of the Coccidia, which are a very significant group of protozoa
the title of our federal project (Hatch) is: Molecular mechanisms, ecology, and
control of natural infections of equids and ruminants by drug-resistant internal
parasites. pathogens that includes the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the
domestic animal parasites Neospora spp., Eimeria spp., and Sarcocystis spp.
Dr. Charles Issel
Equine infectious anemia -- identifying protective immune mechanisms in attempts
to define effective vaccines for EIA. Developing better testing policies.
Dr. Teri Lear
Comparative genomics, clinical cytogenetics and genetic systems related to the health
of horses and other mammals.
Dr. Eugene Lyons
Federal project : Molecular mechanisms, ecology, and control of natural infections
of equids and ruminants by drug-resistant internal parasites.
Dr. James MacLeod
Biomedical research on articular cartilage primarily focused on the cell biology
of chondrocytes and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Dr. Teri Lear
Two ongoing studies addressing problems of endophyte infected fescue in horses.
The first study involves looking at non-invasive methods to determine which mares
in a herd are adversely affected by the fescue so proper treatment can be initiated
before major health problems arise. The second study is investigating potential
adverse health effects in pregnant mares grazing pastures that have been treated
with some of the herbicides that are frequently used kill fescue in pastures.
Dr. John Timoney
Bacterial infections of the horse with emphasis on diseases caused by the pathogenic
streptococci and leptospira.
Dr. Peter Timoney
Equine arteritis virus and the disease, equine viral arteritis.