Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC)

Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance

Why in the news?

Recently, India established its 1^st internationally recognized Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at RVC Centre, Meerut.

• EDFC – It is a scientifically managed and biosecure zone, where horses are kept free from specific equine diseases.

The term ‘Equine’ comes from ‘equus’ a latin word, means horse. Equine diseases are health illnesses caused primarily to horses, mules, monkeys etc.

• Coordination by
  • Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
  • Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services, Ministry of Defence
  • Equestrian Federation of India (EFI)
  • Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
• Recognized by - World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), as it followed the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) was founded in 1924 as an intergovernmental organization. It focusses on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally and thus build a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.

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

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

• Compartmentalization - Segregates a defined sub-population of horses to maintain disease-free status.
• 24×7 Surveillance - Continuous veterinary checks and real-time monitoring of equine health.
• Biosecurity Measures - Standard Operating Procedures for pest control, hygiene, waste disposal, and animal health monitoring.
• Functions – It supports the broader development of horse-related activities in the country.
  • For example: Sports, breeding, and high-value equine trade.
• It helps in strengthening India’s biosecurity and disease preparedness framework.
• Importance – Indian sport horses from this facility can now be eligible to travel and compete abroad.
• It enables the international movement of Indian sport horses in compliance with global biosecurity and animal health standards.
• It enhances India’s compartmentalization approach to the poultry sector, with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Free Compartments to enable the safe export of poultry products.

Reference

PIB| Establishment of Equine Disease-Free Compartment