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.  
      • 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. 
    • 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. 
  • 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.