**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3814, addressed on August 12, 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying addresses the impact of the Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at Remount Veterinary Centre (RVC), Meerut, on Indian horses' participation in international equestrian sports. The recognition of the EDFC by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) enables Indian horses to compete internationally without extended quarantine periods, thereby optimizing their performance. This achievement elevates India's standing in the international equestrian arena, demonstrating advancements in animal care, veterinary science, and sports. The EDFC adheres to stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that encompass quarantine, waste management, personnel conduct, emergency response, and movement control to ensure continuous disease surveillance and maintain high biosecurity standards. These SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate the latest scientific and regulatory advancements, ensuring the EDFC's continued security and compliance. The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof S P Singh Baghel, provided the response.
Key Entities Referenced
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING: A department within the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying responsible for animal husbandry and dairying.
SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI: Member of Lok Sabha who raised a question in the parliament.
SHRI GODAM NAGESH: Member of Lok Sabha who raised a question in the parliament.
FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING: A ministry of the Government of India.
PROF S P SINGH BAGHEL: The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Equine DiseaseFree Compartment EDFC: A biosecure zone for horses, recognized for its disease-free status.
Remount Veterinary Centre RVC, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: A veterinary center with an Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
World Organisation for Animal Health WOAH: An intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3814
TO BE ANSWERED ON 12TH AUGUST 2025
PARTICIPATION OF INDIAN HORSES IN INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN SPORTS
3814. SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI:
SHRI GODAM NAGESH:
Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) the manner in which the recognition of the Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at
Remount Veterinary Centre (RVC) impact the participation of Indian horses in international
equestrian sports;
(b) the impact on country's profile in the international equestrian arena;
(c) the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place at the EDFC to ensure continuous
surveillance and adherence to international best practices; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(PROF S P SINGH BAGHEL)
(a) and (b) The recognition of the Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at Remount
Veterinary Centre (RVC), Meerut by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is a major
milestone for the country’s equestrian sports. It allows Indian horses to compete internationally
without lengthy quarantine, ensuring they perform at their peak. This recognition places India among
a select group of nations with world-class biosecurity standards, boosting its global standing in
equestrian movements and reflecting advances in animal care, veterinary science, and sports.
(c) and (d) The Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) operates under a robust framework of
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure continuous disease surveillance, maintain high
biosecurity standards, and align with international best practices. These SOPs cover all critical
operations, including quarantine, waste management, personnel conduct, emergency response, and
movement control. They are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the latest scientific and
regulatory developments, ensuring the EDFC remains secure, compliant, and ready for international
trade.