What We Do
ERI was established as a breeding operation to promote a specific genotype of elk that has shown resistance to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The Institute operates two primary facilities and has extensive animal resources available to support a variety of research. The facilities and animals are CWD free. ERI is the only such organization in the nation.
Our breeding facility is located in Oxford, Colorado, on an 80-acre property which is divided into 13 irrigated pastures. The elk herd at this location is intensively managed. Here, a state-of-the-art handling barn is equipped with a hydraulic squeeze chute, a video monitored infirmary, and medical room. These allow for the safe and humane handling of the animals and the efficient collection of scientific data. Routine weighing, vaccinating and worming as well as more complicated procedures including artificial insemination, ultrasound pregnancy checking, and surgeries are performed
ERI also operates a 1460-acre double fenced, CWD-free facility in Hesperus, Colorado. Here a herd of approximately 125 animals is evaluated against environmental stresses. This site is equipped with capture, sorting and holding barn with hydraulic squeeze chute.
ERI presents the information gathered through these efforts at seminars, speaking engagements, public awareness programs, and membership newsletters. If you or your organization is interested in engaging one of our speakers for an event, please contact us.
|
