Fátima Solari is an Argentine student at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, part of the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), in Corrientes, Argentina.
Her academic work has earned her a Scientific Vocation Incentive Scholarship (EVC-CIN), awarded by the National Interuniversity Council (CIN).
In her research project, Solari aims to refine molecular techniques for detecting infectious agents that cause equine abortions.
Solari and the scholarship
The scholarship Solari holds is granted by the National Interuniversity Council (CIN), the institution that brings together Argentina’s national universities and oversees changes in the university system. It coordinates academic and scientific research activities, manages the institutions it represents, and promotes scholarships to encourage equal opportunities.
Among these scholarships is the EVC-CIN, which supports Solari’s project titled “Molecular detection of infectious agents causing equine abortions.”
Pathogens and equine abortions
Solari’s research focuses on identifying the presence and distribution of infectious agents in different facilities, using molecular methods—techniques used to detect diseases by analyzing molecules.
These methods enable the detection of certain infectious diseases and genetic mutations. In Solari’s study, such techniques are used to identify agents responsible for equine abortions and provide data on the viral and bacterial pathogens involved.
She uses samples from aborted equine fetuses and applies PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a technique known for its speed and precision in diagnosing diseases, to detect the genomes of the agents involved.
These analyses are valuable given the importance of thoroughbred horse production in Argentina. Abortions caused by viral, bacterial, or other infections represent a serious concern for both the local horse industry and the national economy.
The horse industry in Argentina
The horse industry refers to the group of activities involving thoroughbred racehorses, especially breeding, care, and racetrack operations.
In Argentina, this industry is part of the larger agricultural sector and holds significant weight across Latin America. Health and safety are vital concerns—not only for animals but also for workers in the sector. While workers may face injuries and illnesses, equine health involves disease control, required certifications for participation in events, and proper vaccination.
For transporting horses within Argentina, several documents are required at different checkpoints. These include the equine health booklet and the equine passport. One of the most important certifications is for equine infectious anemia, for which multiple studies and protocols exist to monitor and reduce prevalence.
Beyond transportation controls, there are research projects and health initiatives focused on equine care within breeding facilities. These include contributions on infectious equine abortion, its treatment, and prevention.
The horse industry in Argentina is highly relevant both within South America and globally, and equine abortions represent major economic losses. For this reason, preventive measures are essential—such as keeping mares away from humid areas and administering timely vaccinations.
Ongoing studies aim to better understand the agents responsible for these conditions in order to improve the environments where horses are raised. Within this framework, Fátima Solari is one of the young Argentine researchers working to generate new insights into the pathogens that cause equine abortions.
Given the significance of the horse industry to the national economy, research like Solari’s plays a crucial role in reducing abortion rates and improving equine health across the country.
