Research interests in the Rowland lab center on addressing fundamental problems in the detection and control of infectious pig diseases caused by emerging and foreign animal diseases, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus (PCV), coronaviruses, and African swine fever virus (ASFV). Since 2008, the Rowland lab has been actively involved in understanding the role of host genetics in the response of pigs to infection, along with the application of genetic modification techniques for conferring disease resistance. A spinoff of the genetics work is the first discovery of pigs possessing a naturally occurring severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Rowland is actively involved in the training of graduate, undergraduate and DVM students. He has authored/coauthored more than 150 refereed publications in animal health.