FAO Recognises ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal as Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility

India has reached a significant milestone in animal health and biosecurity. The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal is now a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility. This designation was granted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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Global Recognition for India

The announcement was made during the 92nd General Session of the WOAH in Paris on 29th May 2025. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and India's WOAH Delegate, received the certificate from WOAH's Director General. This recognition places India among only six global facilities trusted to securely hold rinderpest virus material.

Rinderpest, once known as cattle plague, was a devastating livestock disease before its eradication in 2011. Despite its eradication, Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) still exists in some labs, posing potential risks if released. To maintain global freedom from this disease, FAO and WOAH have limited RVCM storage to a few high-security labs worldwide.

India's Role in Rinderpest Eradication

India played a historic role in eradicating rinderpest and continues to preserve this legacy. "This recognition is not just about containment; it is about responsibility and readiness," said Alka Upadhyaya. The ICAR-NIHSAD facility is crucial for maintaining global biosecurity against rinderpest.

In line with global efforts, India designated ICAR-NIHSAD as its national repository for RVCM in 2012. This facility is a high-containment BSL-3 lab and serves as a WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza. India applied for RHF status in 2019, leading to an inspection by international experts in March 2025.

Inspection and Approval Process

The joint inspection by FAO and WOAH experts evaluated ICAR-NIHSAD's biosafety protocols, inventory management, and emergency readiness. Following this thorough assessment, the institute received approval as a Category A RHF for one year. This approval highlights India's commitment to maintaining robust biosafety measures.

The recognition of ICAR-NIHSAD as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility underscores India's dedication to global animal health security. By securing this status, India reaffirms its role in safeguarding against potential threats posed by rinderpest virus materials.

With inputs from PTI