India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC)

Source: PIB

Context: India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the RVC Centre, Meerut, has been officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

About India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC):

• What is it? A scientifically managed, internationally recognised zone that ensures horses are free from specified equine diseases, allowing them to participate in global trade and competitions.

• A scientifically managed, internationally recognised zone that ensures horses are free from specified equine diseases, allowing them to participate in global trade and competitions.

• Established at: Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College, Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh

• Recognised by: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

• Established under: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

• Key Features of the EDFC

• Disease-Free Status: Officially declared free from Equine Influenza, Glanders, Surra, Equine Piroplasmosis, and Equine Infectious Anemia. India has also remained free of African Horse Sickness since 2014. Robust Biosecurity Protocols: Implements strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering hygiene, pest control, animal health surveillance, waste management, and sanitation. Compartmentalisation Standards: Follows WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, maintaining a sub-population of animals with a defined health status. 24/7 Surveillance & Monitoring: Continuous veterinary screening ensures early detection and containment of infections.

• Disease-Free Status: Officially declared free from Equine Influenza, Glanders, Surra, Equine Piroplasmosis, and Equine Infectious Anemia. India has also remained free of African Horse Sickness since 2014.

• Robust Biosecurity Protocols: Implements strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering hygiene, pest control, animal health surveillance, waste management, and sanitation.

• Compartmentalisation Standards: Follows WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, maintaining a sub-population of animals with a defined health status.

• 24/7 Surveillance & Monitoring: Continuous veterinary screening ensures early detection and containment of infections.

• Functions: Boosts International Trade: Facilitates export of high-value Indian sport horses compliant with global standards.

• Boosts International Trade: Facilitates export of high-value Indian sport horses compliant with global standards.

• Promotes Equestrian Sports: Enables Indian horses and riders to participate in global equestrian events. Improves Animal Health Systems: Demonstrates India’s commitment to global biosecurity and science-based animal husbandry practices. Expands to Poultry Sector: India is replicating this model for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments to allow safe export of poultry products.

• Promotes Equestrian Sports: Enables Indian horses and riders to participate in global equestrian events.

• Improves Animal Health Systems: Demonstrates India’s commitment to global biosecurity and science-based animal husbandry practices.

• Expands to Poultry Sector: India is replicating this model for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments to allow safe export of poultry products.