India’s First Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) | 08 Jul 2025
Why in News?
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially recognized India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Key Points
- Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC):
- Definition:
- An EDFC is a specially designated, biosecure zone for horses that ensures protection from serious equine diseases, enabling safe movement for sports, breeding, or trade.
- It is established under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Features:
- The EDFC is part of a wider initiative to establish disease-free zones across sectors.
- India is also working on creating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments for the safe export of poultry products.
- The EDFC follows detailed SOPs covering disease prevention, pest control, security, hygiene, health monitoring, waste management, and constant surveillance, in line with global best practices.
- The approval aligns with WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which outlines science-based guidelines for managing disease-free animal sub-populations through strict biosecurity and care practices.
- The EDFC is part of a wider initiative to establish disease-free zones across sectors.
- Certified Disease-Free:
- The EDFC has been declared free from major equine diseases such as Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.
- India has also remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.
- The EDFC has been declared free from major equine diseases such as Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.
- Definition:
- Significance:
- International Participation: Indian sport horses can now compete in international equestrian events, enhancing India's visibility and participation in the global equestrian arena.
- Boost to Equine Trade and Breeding: The EDFC will strengthen India’s position in the equine trade and breeding sectors, opening up global markets for Indian horses.
- Animal Health Excellence: India’s commitment to strengthening animal health systems with globally accepted practices positions it as a leader in veterinary excellence.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
- WOAH is the leading international body dedicated to animal health and welfare.
- Established in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the organisation adopted its current name in May 2003.
- It operates as an intergovernmental organisation, with members from around the world collaborating on shared goals in animal health.
- It works to improve global animal health and is headquartered in Paris, France.
- As of 2025, WOAH had 183 member countries, including India.
- It creates guidelines, such as the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, to help countries prevent disease entry.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) acknowledges WOAH standards as international sanitary guidelines.