The World Organisation for Animal Health Biological Standards Commission has approved the request made by the ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru, to designate its laboratories focused on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Leptospirosis as WOAH Reference Laboratories. This acknowledgment underscores ICAR-NIVEDI's role in the global fight against these diseases, showcasing its commitment to enhancing animal health and increasing agricultural economies worldwide.
Leading the Charge Against PPR and Leptospirosis
ICAR-NIVEDI boasts laboratories with the latest technology dedicated to PPR and animal leptospirosis, playing an important role in monitoring, surveillance, and providing diagnostic support and capacity building across India. The accreditation of these laboratories by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories in December 2023 further solidifies their credibility, with their proficiency testing regularly endorsed by international agencies.
The World Organization for Animal Health Biological Standards Commission has accepted the request of ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru, to recognize its Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Leptospirosis Laboratories. pic.twitter.com/gtB2BFc1u8
— ICAR-NIVEDI (@icar_nivedi) March 27, 2024
India's Growing Footprint in Veterinary Epidemiology
Dr. B.R. Gulati, Director of ICAR-NIVEDI, highlighted the significance of this achievement and the broader context of WOAH-designated laboratories in India. He noted, "With the addition of ICAR-NIVEDI as a Reference Laboratory for PPR and Leptospirosis, India now proudly hosts four WOAH Reference Laboratories."
Under the leadership of Dr. V. Balamurugan, Principal Scientist and Laboratory in charge, these laboratories have garnered international recognition for their diagnostic and research excellence in PPR and Leptospirosis. Dr. Balamurugan acknowledged the instrumental support from ICAR and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in reaching this milestone.
A Promising Future for Disease Control
ICAR-NIVEDI's designation as one of the six WOAH Reference Laboratories worldwide for leptospirosis and one of the four for PPR positions India as a key contributor to the eradication of PPR and the management of Leptospirosis. Alongside laboratories specializing in Rabies and Avian Influenza, this achievement boosts India's capabilities in addressing critical animal diseases, paving the way for future successes in veterinary epidemiology and disease control on a global scale.
