Abstract network of connected nodes representing biomedical research data

Statewide equine vector-borne disease surveillance

The science that keeps Colorado's horses healthy.

From reproduction and lameness to the diseases moving across the West, our laboratories turn hard questions into answers that change equine care at the stall and across the state.

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$45M Average annual research expenditures
No. 3 Veterinary program in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
1907 Doctor of Veterinary Science program founded
5 Core equine research programs working in parallel
A researcher in a lab coat pipetting samples inside a biosafety cabinet

About the program

A land-grant mission, pointed squarely at the horse.

Improving the health of animals, people, and the planet has been our charge since the first veterinary classes met in Fort Collins in 1883. Colorado Equine Research carries that mission into the species that built the West.

Our faculty are recognized for excellence in reproduction, musculoskeletal science, infectious disease, and comparative oncology. The same rigor that ranks the college among the best in the country is aimed at the questions owners, breeders, and veterinarians bring to us every day.

  • Discovery science, tested in real clinical service
  • Diagnostics built in partnership with the state
  • Training the next generation of equine scientists

Research focus areas

Five programs, one question: what makes a horse well?

Infectious & vector-borne disease

Working with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and state health partners to track the diseases moving through Colorado herds, and to understand how prevalent they really are.

Reproduction

A signature strength of the college, from fertility and foaling outcomes to the reproductive technologies that shape breeding programs.

Musculoskeletal science

Lameness, joint health, and the biomechanics of soundness, so horses stay in work and in comfort for longer.

Comparative oncology

Cancer research that crosses species lines, where what we learn in the horse can advance care for animals and people alike.

Clinical & diagnostic service

Discovery does not stop at the bench. Our diagnostic laboratories and teaching hospital turn research into the tests and treatments equine veterinarians rely on across the region.

In the field

Surveillance that protects herds before an outbreak spreads.

Continued partnership between our diagnostic laboratories, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is enhancing surveillance for equine vector-borne diseases.

The goal is simple and serious: understand how prevalent these diseases are in Colorado, and give veterinarians the early warning they need to keep horses safe through every season.

Talk to our research team
FORT COLLINS
A statewide network turns field reports into early warning for equine vector-borne disease.

Partner with us

Bring us the question. We will bring the science.

Whether you are a veterinarian, a breeder, an owner, or a fellow researcher, our team is here to collaborate on equine health from Fort Collins.

Call the college (970) 491-7051 Main office, Mon to Fri Email the team Start a conversation Research & collaboration inquiries
Visit 1601 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523