**Summary:**
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on August 12, 2025, that the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has recognized the Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Centre (RVC), Meerut. This recognition enables Indian horses to participate in international equestrian sports without extensive quarantine periods, facilitating optimal performance. The EDFC operates under stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure continuous disease surveillance, high biosecurity, and adherence to international best practices. These SOPs encompass quarantine, waste management, personnel conduct, emergency response, and movement control, and are regularly updated to reflect current scientific and regulatory advancements. This achievement positions India among a limited number of countries with superior biosecurity standards, enhancing its global reputation in equestrian sports. The information was provided by Union Minister of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on August 12, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: The Indian government ministry responsible for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying.
Indian Horses: Horses of Indian origin, specifically those participating in international equestrian sports.
International Equestrian Sports: Equestrian sporting events held at the international level.
Equine DiseaseFree Compartment (EDFC): A biosecure zone recognized by WOAH that allows for the safe movement of horses.
Remount Veterinary Centre (RVC), Meerut: A veterinary center located in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for its Equine DiseaseFree Compartment.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): An intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): A set of documented procedures to ensure consistent performance of a specific operation or activity in EDFC.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel: Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Participation Of Indian Horses In International
Equestrian Sports
Posted On: 12 AUG 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi
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.
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.
This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 12th August, 2025.
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(Release ID: 2155519)