• In a significant milestone for India’s animal health system and international trade facilitation, India established and secured global recognition for its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC).

• Recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), this approved facility at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College, Meerut Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, marks a major step towards enabling the international movement of Indian sport horses in compliance with global biosecurity and animal health standards.

• The WOAH is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. 

• It was founded as Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in 1924. It is situated in Paris. 

• WOAH provides technical support to Members requesting assistance with animal disease control and eradication operations, including diseases transmissible to humans.

• The EDFC has been officially declared free from Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra. 

• Additionally, India has  historically remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.

• The approval follows the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which provide the framework for compartmentalisation — a science-based approach for managing a defined animal sub-population with a distinct health status, maintained through stringent biosecurity and husbandry practices.

Significance of this approval

• With the implementation of robust biosecurity protocols, stringent veterinary surveillance, and adherence to international norms, Indian sport horses from this facility can now be eligible to travel and compete abroad. 

• This significantly enhances the prospects of Indian riders and horses in global equestrian competitions and raises India’s profile in the international equestrian arena.

• The compartment also supports the broader development of horse-related activities in the country — including sports, breeding, and high-value equine trade — while strengthening India’s biosecurity and disease preparedness framework.

• This recognition underscores India’s growing leadership in implementing internationally harmonised, science-based animal health systems that facilitate safe trade and support emerging sectors like equestrian sports. 

• Importantly, India is also applying the same compartmentalisation approach to the poultry sector, with the development of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Free Compartments to enable the safe export of poultry products from certified establishments.

• Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen biosecurity, promote export readiness, and build resilient animal health systems aligned with global standards.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)