NEWS

• India has 530+ million livestock and ~125 million companion animals (pets).
• Despite this, there is no national framework for veterinary transfusion medicine.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has released draft SOPs for Blood Transfusion & Blood Banks for Animals and invited public feedback.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Provisions of Draft SOPs

1. Donor Selection
   • Healthy, vaccinated animals; disease-free.
   • Dogs: 1–8 yrs, ≥25 kg; Cats: 1–5 yrs, ≥4 kg.
   • No pregnant or lactating females.
   • Donation intervals: Dogs (4–6 weeks), Cats (8–12 weeks).
2. Blood Bank Operations
   • To be set up at veterinary colleges, referral hospitals, diagnostic centres.
   • 24×7 functioning with strict record-keeping (donor health, storage, transfusion outcomes).
3. National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN)
   • Digital donor registry, real-time inventory management.
   • Emergency helpline & online portal.
   • Standardised reporting & adverse reaction monitoring.
   • Future mobile app for donor-recipient matching.
4. Ethical Dimension
   • Only voluntary, non-remunerated donations allowed.
   • Owner consent mandatory.

Significance

• Animal Health: Critical for trauma, anaemia, surgical cases, and infectious diseases.
• Livestock Economy: Livestock contributes 30% of agri-GVA & 5.5% of GDP; ensuring their health supports rural livelihoods.
• Public Health: Reduces reliance on unregulated transfusions, enhancing biosafety.
• Pet Care Sector: Growing urban demand for structured veterinary services.