Global equine disease-free zone established at RVC Centre in Meerut, India, recognized on a global scale.
India has made a significant stride in its animal health system with the establishment of its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment. This facility, officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 3, 2025, marks India's first facility free from five major equine diseases: Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.
The EDFC, a scientifically managed sub-population of horses maintained under strict biosecurity, veterinary oversight, and controlled husbandry practices, has received official certification from the WOAH. This recognition underscores India's commitment to maintaining high biosecurity and surveillance standards in line with global best practices.
The EDFC operates under stringent Standard Operating Procedures, which include disease prevention, hygiene, surveillance, animal health monitoring, and waste management. These robust protocols ensure that animals within the compartment remain disease-free, regardless of external disease threats.
The EDFC is a transformative milestone that elevates India's standing in animal health, strengthens its global trade ambitions, and supports the growth and internationalization of its equestrian community. By facilitating international movement of horses, the EDFC enables Indian sport and breeding horses to participate in global competitions and trade. This, in turn, enhances India's credibility and competitiveness in the global equine trade, supporting the export of high-value horses and related products.
The EDFC underpins the broader development of horse-related activities, including sports, breeding, and equine trade. It provides a secure environment for raising elite sport and breeding horses, empowering Indian riders to compete on the global stage, raising the country’s profile in the international equestrian arena.
The establishment of the EDFC is a collaborative effort between the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Defence, Equestrian Federation of India, and the Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening India's biosecurity framework, with work underway to establish Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments in the poultry sector to boost poultry exports.
The recognition of the EDFC is seen as a game-changer for India's equestrian community. By maintaining its disease-free status for African Horse Sickness since 2014 and establishing the EDFC, India is demonstrating its ability to maintain high biosecurity and surveillance standards, setting a precedent for the development of similar disease-free compartments for other animal species. This could potentially elevate India’s overall animal health management capabilities.
[1] World Organisation for Animal Health. (2025). Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Retrieved from [2] Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (2025). Remount Veterinary Corps Centre & College. Retrieved from [3] Equestrian Federation of India. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from
- The EDFC's recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) signifies India's progress in integrating medical-conditions management in health-and-wellness and animal health systems, reflecting its commitment to global best practices.
- The EDFC in India, with its stringent Standard Operating Procedures, is not only a pivotal step for the equine sector, but also a testament to the country's growing capabilities in technology and business, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global equine trade and advance health-and-wellness standards.
- The establishment of the EDFC under the collaboration of various departments and organizations in India provides a platform for finance and business growth, as it opens opportunities for technology advancements in areas such as veterinary science, pharmaceuticals, and equestrian-related services, thereby boosting health-and-wellness, and the economy at large.
