India Unveils Its First WOAH‑Certified Equine Disease Free Compartment at RVC Meerut

Pashu Sandesh, 05 July 2025

In a historic move for India’s equine and animal-health sectors, the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment has gained global recognition as the country’s first officially-sanctioned Equine Disease‑Free Compartment (EDFC). Approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 3, 2025, this milestone elevates India’s status in the international equestrian community.

What is an Equine Disease‑Free Compartment?

An Equine Disease‑Free Compartment is a scientifically‑managed sub‑population of horses segregated under strict biosecurity, veterinary oversight, and controlled husbandry practices. Governed by the WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, compartmentalisation ensures that animals within these units maintain an internationally accepted disease-free status, regardless of threats outside their perimeter.

Key features include:

Secure physical barriers and pest control

Robust hygiene, waste management, and veterinary surveillance

Defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disease exclusion

As of July 2025, the Meerut EDFC is certified free of Equine Infectious Anaemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra, while India as a nation remains African Horse Sickness–free since 2014 .

Importance of the EDFC

International Trade & Competition: WOAH certification unlocks the ability for Indian sport horses to compete or be exported abroad—critical for global-level equestrian events.

Biosecurity Empowerment: The program enhances India’s surveillance and preparedness, providing early detection and control of equine disease outbreaks.

Equine Industry Boost: Supports high-value breeding, premium trade, and elevated sports infrastructure—potentially attracting foreign clients and raising revenue.

India's Strategic Gains

1.⁠ ⁠Global Equestrian Presence
Indian riders and horses can now participate more competitively on world stages, backed by certified animal health credentials .

2.⁠ ⁠Rise in Livestock & Trade Value
The compartmental approach is also being applied to India’s poultry sector, suggesting future poultry export opportunities. This concerted effort underscores a unified national policy for stronger animal health and global market engagement .

3.⁠ ⁠Institutional Collaboration
The initiative was achieved through a partnership between the Departments of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the Ministry of Defence (through RVC), the Equestrian Federation of India, and the Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department.

The newly-certified EDFC at RVC Meerut marks a turning point for India’s equestrian ambitions. Not only does it offer Indian sport horses greater visibility on global platforms, but it also showcases India’s growing measurement capabilities in animal health. By expanding this model to other livestock sectors, India is paving the way for stronger exports, fortified biosecurity, and international trust—ensuring its place on the world stage as a modern, reliable partner in animal trade.