Context:
India has achieved a major milestone in its animal health and trade facilitation efforts with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) formally recognising the country’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC). This facility will now allow Indian sport horses to participate in international competitions and trade under globally accepted health and biosecurity norms.
What is an Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC)?
An EDFC is a scientifically managed and biosecure zone where horses are kept free from specific equine diseases, meeting international standards set by the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
- Location: 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
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Disease-Free Certification | Free from Equine Influenza, Glanders, Surra, Equine Piroplasmosis, and Equine Infectious Anemia |
| African Horse Sickness | India remains free since 2014 |
| Biosecurity Measures | Standard Operating Procedures for pest control, hygiene, waste disposal, and animal health monitoring |
| 24×7 Surveillance | Continuous veterinary checks and real-time monitoring of equine health |
| Compartmentalisation | Segregates a defined sub-population of horses to maintain disease-free status |
Significance and Impact
- Trade Facilitation: Indian horses can now participate in international equestrian events and global trade, enhancing export potential.
- Boost to Sports: Opens new opportunities for Indian equestrian athletes and sport horses in global arenas.
- Veterinary Infrastructure Strengthening: Demonstrates India’s advancement in adopting science-based, globally harmonised animal health practices.
- Replicability: India is extending the compartmentalisation model to poultry sector (HPAI-free compartments) to enable safe exports of poultry products.
Why This Matters
- Reinforces India’s biosecurity framework
- Aligns with international trade and animal health protocols
- Positions India as a responsible and proactive stakeholder in global animal husbandry and veterinary governance
