Equine Health Breakthrough in India

India’s first certified disease-free zone for horses

Equine Health Breakthrough in India: India marked a major step in animal health and trade by establishing its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC). Approved on 3rd July 2025 by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the compartment is located at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.

This certification allows Indian horses to compete internationally with assured disease-free status, aligning India with global health standards.

What is an Equine Disease-Free Compartment

An EDFC is a scientifically monitored zone where horses are kept free from specific contagious diseases. These compartments operate under strict veterinary surveillance and biosecurity norms.

The model is guided by the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which helps countries establish defined animal sub-populations with documented health safety. It ensures transparency and international confidence in equine health status.

India’s compliance with global norms

The Meerut-based EDFC is India’s first to receive international recognition from WOAH. This confirms that the facility meets all the necessary criteria such as hygiene, testing protocols, and quarantine management.

Static GK fact: WOAH (formerly OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation that sets international animal health standards. It was established in 1924 and has 183 member countries.

Disease-free status and strong surveillance

The compartment is officially free from major equine diseases including:

• Equine Infectious Anaemia
• Equine Influenza
• Equine Piroplasmosis
• Glanders
• Surra

India has also remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014. The facility uses Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure cleanliness, pest control, and waste management. 24/7 veterinary surveillance ensures any health issue is tackled immediately.

Boost to equestrian sports and exports

The WOAH approval provides Indian horses a passport to participate in international equestrian events. This boosts the growth of equestrian sports and opens up high-value export opportunities.

Static GK Tip: Equestrian sports are part of the Olympic Games, and include show jumping, eventing, and dressage.

Joint effort behind the recognition

This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of:

• Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Ministry of Defence (Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services)
• Equestrian Federation of India
• Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department

Such coordinated governance ensures long-term success and compliance with global health standards.

Expansion of the compartment model

India is also using the compartmentalisation strategy in other animal sectors. Plans are underway to set up Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments in the poultry sector.

This aligns with India’s goal to strengthen biosecurity, increase animal export potential, and become a trusted global player in agri-animal trade.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Equine Health Breakthrough in India: