The Centre has expanded the functions of the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) at the Chaudhary Charan Singh–National Institute of Animal Health (CCS-NIAH) in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat, for veterinary vaccine testing.
Prior to this amendment, CCS-NIAH was notified for testing only two veterinary vaccines. With the latest notification, the scope of testing at the institute has been substantially expanded, enabling it to test 42 veterinary vaccines. These include vaccines used for the prevention and control of diseases such as Canine Distemper, Canine Coronavirus, Duck Plague, Fowl Pox, Salmonella and Tetanus, among others, affecting dogs, horses, poultry and other livestock.
The enhanced testing capacity at CCS-NIAH is expected to facilitate improved ease of import and regulatory clearance of veterinary biologicals, while significantly strengthening the national quality assurance system for veterinary vaccines. The expanded mandate would also help reduce testing timelines and improve turnaround time for manufacturers.
The Health Ministry in a statement said India was among the leading producers of veterinary vaccines globally. “The expansion of testing facilities at CCS-NIAH will support the growth of the veterinary vaccine sector, promote timely availability of quality-assured vaccines and contribute to safeguarding animal health and livestock productivity across the country,” it added.
