DAHD Partners with NDDB to Upgrade Biocontainment Facility at CCSNIAH, Baghpat

The signing ceremony, held recently, was attended by senior officials from the Department, CCSNIAH Baghpat, and the National Dairy Development Board.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, under the leadership of Secretary Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, has initiated a crucial agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This partnership aims to undertake the "Upgradation of Biocontainment Facility and associated repair works at Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Animal Health (CCSNAIH)" located in Baghpat. The estimated budget for this project is Rs. 160 Crores, with completion scheduled within 20 months. The signing ceremony, held recently, was attended by senior officials from the Department, CCSNIAH Baghpat, and the National Dairy Development Board.

CCSNIAH Baghpat serves as a pivotal national laboratory under the Department, specializing in the quality assessment of veterinary vaccines and diagnostics intended for use across India. Since its establishment, the Institute's bio-containment facility, inaugurated in 2010, has played a critical role in ensuring the quality control testing of veterinary biologicals. Recognized as a Central Drugs Laboratory by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, CCSNIAH conducts essential Quality Control (QC) testing for diseases such as Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS), Ranikhet Disease (RD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucella, PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

Given the rapid advancements in technology and evolving safety standards, adherence to stringent guidelines set by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is imperative for operating such high-security facilities. The planned upgrade aims to meet these challenges by enhancing bio-safety and bio-security measures, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

The proposed upgrades envision transforming CCSNIAH into a state-of-the-art facility capable of fulfilling multifaceted objectives. These include expanding veterinary services at national and international levels, refining QC protocols for vaccine efficacy and safety, supporting livestock health programs, and advancing Research and Development in livestock health prophylaxis and diagnosis. Additionally, the revamped Animal House Containment Facility will serve as a hub for contract and collaborative research in therapeutics and vaccine development.

Anticipating several strategic advantages from these enhancements, the Department foresees:

Full compliance with the latest Department of Biotechnology guidelines and achieving complete Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) status from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

CCSNIAH Baghpat becoming the sole institute in India equipped for large and small animal experimentation under containment conditions.

Enhanced preparedness to address emerging challenges in livestock health, such as Lumpy Skin Disease, Avian Influenza, Glanders Disease, among others.

Strengthened capability for self-sustainability through diversified revenue generation models encompassing vaccine testing, animal experimentation, training, capacity building, and catering to QC requirements of governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Establishment as a premier institute for "Outbreak Investigation and Pandemic Preparedness" under the National One Health Mission.

Expanded opportunities for national and international collaborations in the field of veterinary sciences and public health.

The execution of the "Upgradation of Biocontainment Facility and associated repair works at CCSNIAH, Baghpat" has been entrusted to NDDB, a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. NDDB, recognized for its expertise in constructing and maintaining bio-containment facilities across various livestock health institutions in India, including ICAR-National Institute of Foot & Mouth Disease in Bhubaneswar, ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease Facility in Bhopal, and others, is well-positioned to deliver on this critical project.

This collaboration underscores the government's commitment to enhancing India's capabilities in veterinary sciences, ensuring bio-security, and fortifying the nation's readiness against potential health crises affecting livestock.