Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) achieved Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Recognition at WOAH General Session
- Announced at the 92nd General Session of WOAH in Paris from May 25–29, 2025.
- Certificate presented to Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD.
Key Points
- Category A allows secure storage of rinderpest virus-containing materials.
- India joins an elite group of six global facilities with this designation.
Other Category A RHFs
- CIRAD, France
- NIAH, Kodaira, Japan
- NIAH, Tsukuba, Japan
- The Pirbright Institute, UK
- AHVLA, UK
About Rinderpest Virus
- Rinderpest, once “cattle plague,” eradicated globally in 2011.
- RVCM stored in limited high-security labs to prevent outbreaks.
Key Developments in India
- 2012: ICAR-NIHSAD designated as national RVCM repository.
- 2019: Application for RHF status.
- March 2025: Granted Category A RHF status for a year.
- Future Goals: Pursue Category B status for vaccine development.
About ICAR-NIHSAD
- Established in 2014.
- Operates a high-level bio-containment lab since 1998.
- Director: Dr. Aniket Sanyal.
- Headquarters: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
About WOAH
- President: Dr. Susana Pombo.
- Director General: Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran.
- Headquarters: Paris, France.
- Established: 1924.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- ICAR-NIHSAD in Bhopal, MP, recognized as Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by WOAH-FAO.
- India among six global facilities authorized for secure custody of rinderpest virus-containing materials.
- Rinderpest, once a devastating livestock disease, eradicated in 2011.
- ICAR-NIHSAD plays a crucial role in research on exotic and emerging animal diseases.
