| Finally, we traveled to Capitan Sarmiento. This was
a rural, more agriculturally centered region of the country.
While here, we visited many thoroughbred farms as well
as the local veternary diagnostic lab, La Clinica Equina.
We got an appreciation for the equine industry and the
money associated with it. |
| Many private farms are extremely successful at breeding
and racing their horses on an international scale. Because
of their success, the facilities and resources enjoyed
by them were far superior to those of the rest of the
agricultural community. Not surprisingly, disease control,
biosecurity, and general care of the horses were given
particular attention, much more than we had seen anywhere
else we had been. |
| However, despite their efforts, many of smaller farms
do not employ such strict biosecurity measures. For example,
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is poorly tested for in
rural areas and this poses problems for the overall equine
economy. It takes efforts and testing throughout the
entire region to effectively prevent and control disease. |
| One particular researcher we visited with, Dr. Becu,
spoke with us about his efforts to investigate and explore
foal pneumonia due to Rhodococcus equi. He is
currently trying to develop and manufacture a vaccine
against R. equi. It is his goal that this vaccine
will be used for decreasing the incidence of foal pneumonia
not just throughout Argentina, but
worldwide as well. |
Successful racing mare
|
Yearlings at a Thoroughbred farm
|
Gaucho at one of the farms
|
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Argentina
2004 | Capitan Sarmiento