The BIVI Equine Research Award will focus on one specific equine disease area each year. For 2012 the equine disease of focus is Pigeon Fever (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis). 

Proposals must address one or more specific criteria to be considered:

• Pathophysiology of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and development of an equine challenge model.
• Virulence factors and strain differences among isolates of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from internal and external infections and different geographic locations.
• Increased incidence and spread to different geographic locations and association with climate change.
• Comparison of host immunity between infections resulting in internal infection and recurrent infection in recovered horses.
• Seasonality of infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and studies of insect vectors.

Following publication acceptance of the three awarded research projects, the Independent Review  Board will perform a second review of manuscripts for quality and designate additional awards:

• 1st award $5,000
• 2nd award $3,000
• 3rd award $1,000

• Students 
• Researchers 
• Diagnosticians 
• Animal Scientists 
• Practitioners

Eligibility for participation to include anyone in United States, Canada and Mexico. 

• Research must have the potential to generate new information that has clear relevance to the designated research topic
• The proposal must have a timeline including start date and completion date (maximum 12 months  following initial funding)
• The proposal should target an oral presentation at the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention upon completion
• Application must comply with the format provided by the Advancement in Equine Research  Review Board