India's NIHSAD Bhopal Named Category A Rinderpest Facility by WOAH, FAO

India has achieved a remarkable feat in the global effort to ensure long-term animal health and biosecurity with the designation of the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

This prestigious recognition was conferred during the 92nd General Session of the WOAH, held in Paris on May 29, 2025. Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and India's official WOAH Delegate, accepted the designation certificate on behalf of the nation from the WOAH Director General and President.

Rinderpest: A Threat Extinguished, But Vigilance Continues

Once dubbed the “cattle plague”, Rinderpest was one of the most virulent livestock diseases in human history, responsible for decimating millions of cattle and buffalo globally. Its official eradication in 2011, thanks to coordinated global vaccination and surveillance campaigns, remains one of the greatest achievements in veterinary science.

However, remnants of the Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) remain preserved in a few laboratories worldwide. These viral samples, if accidentally or maliciously released, pose a serious threat to global biosecurity. To mitigate this risk, WOAH and FAO have strictly limited storage permissions to Category A Rinderpest Holding Facilities — a select group of high-containment laboratories trusted with stringent biosafety standards.

ICAR-NIHSAD: India’s High-Security Guardian of Animal Health

India's journey towards this milestone began in 2012, when ICAR-NIHSAD, an advanced Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, was designated as the national repository for RVCM. In 2019, India formally submitted its application for RHF status to WOAH and FAO.

Following an exhaustive joint inspection in March 2025 by international biosecurity experts, India’s case was validated. The inspection team highlighted:

• Robust biosafety infrastructure

• Accurate inventory tracking of RVCM

• Detailed emergency protocols

• Compliance with international guidelines

Consequently, ICAR-NIHSAD has now been officially approved as a Category A RHF for a renewable one-year term.

A Select Club of Global Trust

This designation elevates India into an elite group of only six facilities worldwide entrusted with safeguarding Rinderpest viral material. It affirms the nation’s pivotal role in global veterinary science, bio-risk mitigation, and the broader One Health paradigm, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health for global disease prevention.

Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, addressing the international community, remarked:

“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.”

Next Steps: Toward Category B and Vaccine Readiness

Encouraged by this success, the joint committee has urged India to deepen engagement on matters related to vaccine seed material — a strategic move that could eventually lead to Category B RHF designation. While Category A facilities focus on secure holding, Category B institutions are equipped for vaccine production and outbreak response.

Attaining such status would further amplify India’s capability to respond swiftly to any future re-emergence scenarios and support global vaccine diplomacy.

National Commitment to International Standards

The recognition also reflects India’s broader policy direction — a clear alignment with international standards of disease control, biosafety, and pandemic prevention. As global risks from zoonotic diseases increase due to climate change, habitat disruption, and intensive farming, India’s leadership in proactive preparedness becomes more critical.

The ICAR-NIHSAD facility is equipped not only for virus containment but also for advanced research in high-risk animal diseases, offering a robust platform for both national and regional cooperation in the fight against emerging and re-emerging pathogens.

Conclusion: A Beacon for Global Animal Health

India’s successful bid for Category A RHF status is a milestone for the country’s animal health architecture, but more importantly, it is a testament to India's scientific integrity, international cooperation, and long-term vision in safeguarding both agricultural economies and food security.

With the NIHSAD in Bhopal now internationally recognised, India not only preserves the legacy of defeating one of history’s most deadly livestock diseases but also secures its place as a guardian of global biosecurity for the future.