India has set up its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh. The facility was officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Thursday, marking a crucial step in enabling Indian sport horses to compete internationally in compliance with global biosecurity standards.
The EDFC, developed through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Defence, the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, ensures strict adherence to WOAH’s guidelines for compartmentalisation. These include robust biosecurity measures, veterinary surveillance, and disease exclusion protocols.
The facility has been certified free from major equine diseases such as Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra, said the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in a statement. Additionally, India has remained free of African Horse Sickness since 2014.
This recognition opens new avenues for Indian riders and horses to participate in international equestrian competitions and enhances India’s potential in equine trade, breeding, and sports. It also aligns with India’s broader strategy of strengthening animal health systems and promoting export readiness through science-based practices.
The success of the EDFC complements India’s parallel efforts in the poultry sector, where the country is working to develop Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Free Compartments to facilitate safe exports of poultry products.
This achievement positions India as a rising leader in implementing internationally harmonised animal health systems, supporting both safe trade and emerging sectors like equestrian sports.
from National https://ift.tt/P8Bbdly