Latest news with #RinderpestVirus-ContainingMaterial
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
India joins elite global group safeguarding rinderpest virus, secures top biosecurity status at Bhopal lab
NEW DELHI: India has joined an elite global group dedicated to the containment of the Rinderpest virus, commonly referred to as "cattle plague." This group includes facilities from the UK, USA, France, Japan, and Ethiopia. Rinderpest was once the most destructive livestock diseases in history but was globally eradicated in 2011. However, Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) still remains in a few laboratories, posing potential risks if released. A significant milestone in global animal health and biosecurity was reached when the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal was designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF). India has laid down a global standard protocol in the NIHSAD centre to keep the virus and developed capabilities to conduct research on it. This designation was granted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. With this recognition, India is now among a select group of six facilities worldwide entrusted with the crucial task of securely holding rinderpest virus materials. The other five facilities are located in the UK, USA, France, Japan, and Ethiopia. The formal recognition of the institution came initially for a one-year term from WOAH and FAO. 'India's role in preserving the rinderpest eradication legacy is vital, a testament to the nation's readiness and global leadership in animal health,' said Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal designated as containment facility for Rinderpest virus
The ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest or cattle plague Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said on Monday. Rinderpest, once known as 'cattle plague,' was one of the most destructive livestock diseases in history before its global eradication in 2011. 'India has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of global animal health and biosecurity with the recognition,' said the Ministry. Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) still remains in a few laboratories, posing potential risks if released. To preserve global freedom from the disease, FAO and WOAH have implemented strict measures to limit the storage of RVCM to a small number of high-security laboratories worldwide. In alignment with this global initiative, India had designated ICAR-NIHSAD, a high-containment BSL-3 facility and WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza, as its national repository for RVCM back in 2012. India formally submitted its application for RHF status in 2019. A joint inspection of ICAR-NIHSAD was conducted in March 2025 by international experts appointed by FAO and WOAH. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the institute has now been officially approved as a Category A RHF for a one-year term, in recognition of its robust biosafety protocols, effective inventory management, and state of readiness for emergencies. The announcement was made during the 92nd General Session of the WOAH held in Paris on May 29. India's WOAH delegation, led by Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) was also formally presented with the certificate of designation by the Director General and President of WOAH. 'This recognition places India among a distinguished group of only six facilities worldwide entrusted with the critical responsibility of securely holding rinderpest virus material,' the Ministry said. It reinforces India's pivotal role in global animal health, biosecurity, and the One Health framework. 'India's role in the eradication of rinderpest was historic. Today, its role in preserving that legacy is equally vital. This recognition is not just about containment; it is about responsibility and readiness' Upadhyaya said. The committee has also encouraged India to engage further on matters related to vaccine seed material, which will bolster its application for Category B designation in the future. The designation of ICAR-NIHSAD as a Category A RHF is a testament to India's continued leadership in safeguarding global animal health and reflects the country's unwavering commitment to international standards of disease control and prevention, the Ministry said.
