In News:

• India has been officially designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• The recognition was conferred to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal during the 92nd General Session of WOAH held in Paris.
• This makes India one of only six countries globally entrusted with this vital responsibility, marking a major milestone in India’s global leadership in animal health and biosecurity.

What is Rinderpest?

• Also Known As: Cattle Plague
• Pathogen: Caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Morbillivirus.
• Affected Species: Mainly cattle and buffalo, but also zebus, giraffes, eland, wildebeest, warthogs, and some antelope species.
• Symptoms in Cattle:
  • High fever, nasal and eye discharge
  • Erosive mouth lesions
  • Severe diarrhoea and dehydration
  • Death typically within 10–15 days in susceptible herds
• Transmission: Through direct contact; virus present in nasal secretions even before clinical symptoms appear.
• Public Health Risk: None – the virus does not affect humans.
• Geographical Spread: Historically affected Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Eradication: Officially declared eradicated in 2011, making it the second disease in history to be eradicated after smallpox.

Significance of the Category A RHF Designation

• Background:
  • Despite eradication, Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) remains in select laboratories.
  • FAO and WOAH limit storage of RVCM to ensure global biosecurity and prevent accidental or intentional release.
• India’s Preparedness:
  • In 2012, ICAR-NIHSAD was designated as India’s national repository for RVCM.
  • It is a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facility and a WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza.
• Recent Developments:
  • India submitted its RHF application in 2019.
  • In March 2025, FAO-WOAH appointed international experts to inspect the facility.
  • Based on strong biosafety, inventory control, and emergency preparedness, ICAR-NIHSAD has now received Category A RHF status for one year.

Implications for India

• Global Recognition: Reinforces India’s commitment to the One Health framework and global biosecurity norms.
• Leadership Role: Positions India among a select global group of only six RHFs, enabling it to contribute to future efforts in disease surveillance, vaccine research, and emergency preparedness.
• Future Prospects:
  • Encouraged by WOAH-FAO to contribute to vaccine seed material discussions.
  • Paves the way for Category B designation, which allows broader collaborative work on RVCM.