One of the world’s leading equine research facilities was damaged by fire last night. Luckily the fire was contained and no people or animals were injured.

The following is a statement from the university:

Colorado State University’s Equine Reproduction Laboratory office building was heavily damaged in an early morning fire. The fire only impacted the office building, which also housed some laboratories.

At this time, the ERL can confirm that no people or horses were injured in the fire. The fire did not involve any barns or stock areas. There were a few horses in the immediate area, and they were moved into pens away from smoke during the fire, but were not in danger.

The cause of the fire and extent of the damages are still be determined by Poudre Fire Authority and CSU authorities.

About the lab: The Equine Reproduction Laboratory is part of the larger network of the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory on the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University. The Equine Reproduction Program at Colorado State University has a long history of developing techniques for the equine industry. Initially started in 1967 by Drs. Pickett and Voss, this program has evolved into an internationally renowned program of clinical service, education and research. Over the past 30 years, techniques such as collection of semen and artificial insemination, recovery and transfer of equine embryos, shipping of cooled semen and shipping of cooled embryos have been developed and are now routinely used in the equine industry.

To learn more:

The Coloradoan:Fire guts CSU Equine Reproduction Laboratory

The Denver Post:CSU equine lab destroyed in early morning fire

From The Jurga Report archives:COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES CHAIR IN EQUINE REPRODUCTION

From The Jurga Report archives:Best of 2009: Tuesday at Colorado State University’s Equine Reproduction Lab