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What Does WOAH’s Approval Mean for India’s Equestrian and Poultry Sectors?

India has taken a giant leap in animal health management by securing global recognition for its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC). On 3rd July 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) approved this facility at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. This achievement allows Indian sport horses to compete internationally with certified health standards, strengthening India’s biosecurity and trade credibility.

What Is an Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC)?
An EDFC is a scientifically controlled zone where horses are maintained free from infectious diseases under strict:
Biosecurity protocols (hygiene, quarantine, surveillance)
Veterinary monitoring (24/7 health checks)
Disease prevention measures (vaccination, pest control)
This system follows WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, ensuring a disease-free sub-population of horses for safe global movement.

Key Highlights of India’s EDFC
✅ Location: Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College, Meerut, UP
✅ Approval by: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
✅ Diseases Eliminated:
Equine Infectious Anaemia
Equine Influenza
Glanders, Surra, and Piroplasmosis
African Horse Sickness (India has been free since 2014)
✅ Biosecurity Measures:
Strict hygiene & sanitation protocols
Regular health screenings
Controlled entry/exit of animals
Waste & pest management systems

Why Is This Important for Competitive Exams?
Questions on recent developments in animal health, biosecurity, and international trade often appear in:
SSC, UPSC, PSC (General Awareness)
NID/NIFT/FDDI (Current Affairs for Design Entrances)

Agriculture & Veterinary Science Exams
Understanding India’s EDFC achievement helps in:
✔ Answering MCQs on WOAH & animal health policies
✔ Writing essays on India’s global trade advancements
✔ Discussing biosecurity in competitive exams

Sample Questions & Answers (Exam-Focused)
Q1. What is an Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC)?
Ans: A scientifically managed zone where horses are kept free from infectious diseases under strict biosecurity and veterinary surveillance.
Q2. Where is India’s first EDFC located?
Ans: Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Q3. Which global body approved India’s EDFC?
Ans: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Q4. Name two diseases eliminated in India’s EDFC.
Ans: Glanders & Equine Infectious Anaemia.
Q5. How does EDFC benefit India’s international trade?
Ans: It allows Indian sport horses to participate in global competitions and enhances high-value equine exports with certified health standards.