The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRC Equine) in Hisar, Haryana has been granted World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Laboratory status for Equine Piroplasmosis.

ICAR-NRC Equine in Hisar Haryana

• Support from DAHD: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying facilitated this recognition.
• Role in Animal Health: ICAR-NRC Equine will enhance global efforts in combating equine piroplasmosis by providing advanced diagnostics, engaging in international collaborations, and conducting research on this tick-borne disease.
• Equine Population in India: India has about 0.55 million equines (horses, ponies, donkeys, mules), with the highest concentrations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, per the 20th Livestock Census.

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About Equine Piroplasmosis

• Cause: A tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi.
• Affected Species: Poses a serious threat to equines, including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras.

• Symptoms: Equine piroplasmosis often presents with non-specific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. 
  • Acute cases are common, characterized by fever, reduced appetite, elevated heart and respiratory rates, and changes in mucous membrane color and fecal consistency. 
  • Subacute cases may show weight loss, intermittent fever, and mild colic. 
  • Chronic cases often exhibit mild inappetence, poor performance, weight loss, and splenomegaly.
  • A rare peracute form can lead to sudden death or near-death.
• Transmission: Infected animals can act as long-term carriers, transmitting the parasites to tick vectors.
  • Blood-contaminated instruments can also spread the disease leading to iatrogenic transmission.
• Geographic Spread: Endemic to tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
• Treatment: Currently, there are no available vaccines for equine piroplasmosis.

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About World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

• Established: Founded in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE); adopted the name “World Organisation for Animal Health” in 2003.
• Purpose: An intergovernmental organisation focused on:
  • Transparent dissemination of animal disease information.
  • Enhancing animal health and welfare worldwide.
  • Promoting a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
• India’s Role: India is one of the member countries of WOAH.
• Standards and Codes: WOAH creates normative documents, including the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which helps member countries protect against disease introduction.
• Global Recognition: WOAH standards are recognized by the World Trade Organization as key international sanitary guidelines.
• Headquarters: Located in Paris, France.