In a major boost to India’s animal health infrastructure and global trade ambitions, country’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) has received formal recognition from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The approval, granted on July 3, 2025, marks a crucial milestone in allowing Indian sport horses to participate in international events and enter global markets.
Located at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, the facility is the first of its kind in India to meet the strict biosecurity and surveillance standards laid out by the WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code. With this status, Indian sport horses housed and trained at the facility are now eligible for overseas travel and competition under international animal health regulations.
The recognition is seen as a game-changer for India’s equestrian community. For the first time, Indian riders and horses will be able to represent the country at global tournaments without facing quarantine or health-related trade barriers. Officials say the EDFC will also help develop high-value equine trade, sports, and breeding sectors across the country.
The compartment has been officially declared free from five major equine diseases, Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra. India has also maintained its disease-free status for African Horse Sickness since 2014.
The initiative is the result of joint efforts by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Defence, Equestrian Federation of India, and the Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department. The EDFC functions under strict Standard Operating Procedures that cover disease prevention, hygiene, surveillance, animal health monitoring, and waste management.
Officials say this compartmentalised approach is not limited to horses. India is already applying the same model to its poultry sector, with work underway to establish Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Compartments to boost poultry exports.
The move is part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening India’s biosecurity framework, improving disease preparedness, and enhancing export readiness in line with global standards.
