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Cattle Plague Virus: ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal Recognised as Global Rinderpest Holding Facility by WOAH & FAO

Rinderpest, once known as “cattle plague,” was one of the deadliest livestock diseases before its global eradication in 2011. India’s ICAR-NIHSAD has now been recognised as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility, placing it among just six such facilities worldwide.

KJ Staff
Rinderpest, once known as “cattle plague,” was one of the deadliest livestock diseases before it was globally eradicated in 2011. (Photo Source: Canva)
Rinderpest, once known as “cattle plague,” was one of the deadliest livestock diseases before it was globally eradicated in 2011. (Photo Source: Canva)

India has achieved a major milestone in global animal health with the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, being designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

The announcement was made during the 92nd General Session of the WOAH in Paris on May 29, 2025. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, received the official certificate from the Director General and President of WOAH.

Rinderpest, once known as “cattle plague,” was one of the deadliest livestock diseases before it was globally eradicated in 2011. Although the disease no longer exists in animals, the rinderpest virus is still held in a few labs worldwide, posing potential biosecurity risks.

To ensure the disease doesn’t resurface, FAO and WOAH have limited storage of the virus to select high-security labs. India had nominated NIHSAD, a high-containment BSL-3 facility, as its official repository in 2012.

India formally applied for RHF status in 2019. In March 2025, international experts appointed by FAO and WOAH conducted a detailed inspection of the facility. Following a thorough evaluation, NIHSAD has now been granted Category A RHF status for a year, placing it among just six facilities globally to receive this recognition. The designation reflects the institute’s robust biosafety protocols, effective inventory systems, and emergency response readiness.

“This recognition is not just about containment; it is about responsibility and readiness,” said Upadhyaya. She added that India’s historic role in rinderpest eradication continues today through its leadership in virus containment.

The committee has also encouraged India to expand its role in vaccine seed material, which could help secure a future upgrade to Category B designation. The recognition of NIHSAD is a major boost to India’s position in global biosecurity and underlines its commitment to high standards in animal health and disease prevention.

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