28 March 2024, Bengaluru: In a landmark development for veterinary science in India, the World Organisation for Animal Health Biological Standards Commission has accepted the request of ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru, to recognize its Peste des Petits Ruminants and Leptospirosis Laboratories as the WOAH Reference Laboratories. This significant recognition places ICAR-NIVEDI at the forefront of international efforts against these diseases, highlighting its dedication to improving animal health and supporting agricultural economies globally.
ICAR-NIVEDI has state-of-the-art Laboratories on PPR and animal leptospirosis and has been pivotal in monitoring, surveillance, and providing diagnostic support and capacity building across India. These two laboratories were ISO17025:2017 accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories in December 2023 and their proficiency testing is regularly endorsed by international agencies.
Dr. B.R. Gulati, Director, ICAR-NIVEDI, emphasised the achievements and the broader context of WOAH-designated laboratories in India. He informed that “With the addition of ICAR-NIVEDI as a Reference Laboratory for PPR and Leptospirosis, India now proudly hosts four WOAH Reference Laboratories.
Under Dr. V. Balamurugan, Principal Scientist & Laboratory in charge, these labs are internationally recognized for their diagnostic and research excellence in PPR and Leptospirosis. He also acknowledged the pivotal support from the ICAR and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in reaching this milestone.
ICAR-NIVEDI will be one of the six WOAH Reference Laboratories in the world for leptospirosis and one of the four laboratories for PPR. India is now poised to make significant contributions towards the eradication of PPR and the management of Leptospirosis.
The other two, specializing in Rabies at the Veterinary College, Bengaluru, and in Avian Influenza (bird flu) at the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal), represent our country’s comprehensive capabilities in addressing a range of critical animal diseases.
This achievement not only highlights ICAR-NIVEDI’s role in global animal health but also sets a path for future successes in veterinary epidemiology and disease control.
