ICAR-NIHSAD Recognized as ‘Category A’ Rinderpest Facility by WOAH–FAO.
ICAR-NIHSAD Recognized as ‘Category A’ Rinderpest Facility by WOAH–FAO.
Latest Update (June 2025)
The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has been recognized as a ‘Category A’ Rinderpest holding facility by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This makes NIHSAD one of the few global laboratories authorized to safely hold Rinderpest virus-containing material (VCM) for research and preparedness.
What is Rinderpest?
Feature
Details
Also Known As
Cattle Plague
Disease Type
Viral disease affecting cattle, buffaloes, and some wildlife
Symptoms
Fever, oral erosions, diarrhea, lymphoid necrosis, and high mortality
Global Eradication
Declared eradicated in 2011 by FAO & WOAH
Significance
Second disease globally eradicated, after Smallpox (in humans)
Role of ICAR–NIHSAD
Function
Description
Biosafety Level
BSL-4 (High Containment) lab accredited to handle exotic animal pathogens
Mandate
Diagnostics, surveillance, research on transboundary & emerging animal diseases
Recent Recognition
‘Category A’ Rinderpest VCM Holding Facility
National Role
Nodal institution for zoonotic and exotic animal disease containment in India
Global Context of WOAH–FAO Recognition
WOAH–FAO maintain a global list of approved VCM holding facilities post-eradication to ensure:
No accidental release or bioterrorism
Controlled access for research and vaccine development
Preparedness in case of re-emergence
India’s recognition boosts global biosecurity efforts and reflects confidence in Indian bio-containment protocols
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper II
International Institutions (WOAH, FAO), Global Cooperation
“Global health security: From eradication to surveillance
Importance for India
Strengthens India’s global standing in veterinary science and biosafety.
Enhances capacity for emergency vaccine production if needed.
Aligns with India’s leadership in One Health approach integrating human-animal-environment health.
Supports India’s livestock sector (valued at ~₹10 lakh crore) by building disease resilience.
Practice Mains Question
“Highlight the importance of India’s recognition as a Category A Rinderpest facility in the context of biosecurity and livestock health.” (10/15 marks)
Way Forward
Continue investments in zoonotic disease surveillance and early warning systems.
Promote research collaboration with WOAH-FAO for emerging animal pathogens.
Expand BSL-4 infrastructure to other agro-climatic zones for better regional preparedness.
Integrate NIHSAD into India’s National One Health Mission for broader policy impact.
