Participation Of Indian Horses In International Equestrian Sports

Participation Of Indian Horses In International Equestrian Sports

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.