India’s First Equine Disease-Free Compartment Gets WOAH Recognition
Why in the news
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) accepted India’s first biosecure horse compartment, so sport horses can join global events and trade under accepted health norms.
Key facts
- Site: Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College, Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.
- Recognised by: World Organisation for Animal Health.
- Set up under: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Standard followed: WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diseases kept out | Equine influenza, glanders, surra, equine piroplasmosis, equine infectious anaemia |
| African horse sickness | India free since 2014 |
| Biosecurity | Standard procedures for pest control, hygiene, waste disposal and health monitoring |
| Surveillance | Round-the-clock veterinary checks, real-time monitoring |
| Compartmentalisation | A defined group of horses is separated to hold disease-free status |
Significance
- Indian horses can enter international equestrian events and trade, helping exports.
- New openings for Indian equestrian athletes.
- Shows a shift to science-based, globally aligned animal health practice.
- The model is being extended to poultry through HPAI-free compartments for safe export of poultry products.
Exam angle
- Full form: EDFC, Equine Disease-Free Compartment; global body: WOAH.
- Location: Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.
- Next planned use of the compartment model: poultry (HPAI).