India's first Equine Disease Free Compartment established in Meerut

Why in News?

• India's first Equine Disease Free Compartment (EDFC) was established at RVC Centre and College, Meerut.

Key Points:

• It received international recognition by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on 3 July 2025.
• The facility enables international movement and competition of Indian Sports Horses.
• It is compliant with global biosafety and animal health standards.
• Strict biosafety protocols and SOPs are in place in the compartment.
• SOPs include disease exclusion, pest control, hygiene, monitoring and waste management.
• It implements a knowledge-based approach to the management of animal subpopulations.

Objectives and Benefits

• It promotes India's participation and global reputation in equestrian sports.
• Provides new opportunities for breeding, training and trading of high-value horses.
• It also enhances the export potential of India's livestock sector.

Disease-free status and biosecurity measures

• EDFC has been declared free from the following 5 major diseases:
  • Equine infectious anemia
  • Equine influenza
  • Equine piroplasmosis
  • Glanders
  • Surra

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) was established in the year 1924.
• Its old name was OIE (Office International des Epizooties), which was changed to WOAH in 2022.
• It is an independent international organization that works on monitoring and control of animal health and zoonotic diseases.
• Its headquarters is located in Paris, France.
• WOAH has 180+ member countries, and India is also a member.
• The organization aims to promote international cooperation in the prevention, control, and elimination of infectious diseases in animals.
• The organization provides scientific and policy guidance on matters related to biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety.