- The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) officially recognized India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC). This facility is located at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.
Significance of the Recognition:
- The EDFC enables the international movement of Indian sport horses for global competitions and trade while complying with strict biosecurity standards.
Note:
Equines belong to the family Equidae, which includes horses, zebras, and asses, along with many extinct species.
Highlights of the Recognition:
i. The EDFC facility has been certified free from major equine diseases, including:
- Equine Infectious Anemia
- Equine Influenza
- Equine Piroplasmosis
- Glanders
- Surra
ii. The certification is the result of collaboration among:
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services (RVS), Ministry of Defence
- Equestrian Federation of India (EFI)
- Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh