New Delhi
In a big step for India's animal health and trade, the country has created its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC), officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 3.
The new facility is located at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh. This achievement allows Indian sport horses to travel and compete in international events, following strict global biosecurity and animal health standards.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying said that with strong biosecurity measures and veterinary checks, Indian horses from this facility can now enter the global equestrian arena, helping Indian riders and boosting the country's image.
The EDFC supports horse sports, breeding, and trade, and strengthens India’s disease prevention systems. It has been officially declared free from major diseases such as Equine Infectious Anaemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra. Since 2014, India has also remained free of African Horse Sickness.
This success was made possible through joint efforts of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services, the Equestrian Federation of India, and Uttar Pradesh’s Animal Husbandry Department.
The EDFC runs under strict rules covering disease prevention, pest control, hygiene, animal monitoring, and waste management.
India is also planning similar disease-free zones for poultry to enable safe exports. These steps show India’s commitment to safe animal trade and strong biosecurity, following global standards.
This new milestone will help Indian horses shine on the world stage while keeping animal health risks low at home.
