India Unveils Comprehensive Guidelines for Animal Blood Transfusion

In a significant advancement for veterinary healthcare, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) introduced India’s first national guidelines for animal blood transfusion on March 18, 2024. This initiative aims to establish a structured framework for veterinary transfusion medicine, addressing a critical need in the sector.

Blood transfusions serve as essential medical interventions for animals, particularly in cases of trauma, severe anaemia, and infectious diseases. Previously, India lacked a formalized system for these procedures, leading to many transfusions being conducted only in emergencies, often without standardized protocols for donor screening or blood typing. The newly released guidelines provide a scientific and ethical foundation for all aspects of veterinary blood transfusion, including donor selection, blood collection, and safety measures.

The guidelines, developed in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of India, veterinary universities, and other stakeholders, set out a comprehensive approach to veterinary blood transfusion. This includes establishing state-regulated veterinary blood banks that comply with biosafety standards. Mandatory blood typing and cross-matching will help prevent incompatible transfusions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.

Additionally, the guidelines outline explicit eligibility criteria for blood donors, which include health status, vaccination history, age, weight, and disease screening. They emphasize voluntary, non-remunerated donations with informed consent, supported by a Donor Rights Charter. By integrating One Health principles, the guidelines also address zoonotic risks, ensuring the safety of both animals and humans.

Establishment of a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network

The introduction of a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN) is a cornerstone of the new guidelines. This network will feature digital registries and real-time inventories to better manage blood resources across the country, along with an emergency helpline to assist veterinarians in urgent situations.

Training modules will be made available for veterinary students and practitioners to ensure that they are well-equipped to implement these guidelines. This includes postgraduate programmes and continuing education opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working in the field.

Looking towards the future, the guidelines encourage innovative practices such as mobile blood collection units and advanced transfusion research. These innovations are expected to address the growing demand for specialized emergency veterinary care, which is crucial given India’s large livestock and companion animal population, estimated at over 537 million and 125 million, respectively.

The livestock sector contributes approximately 5.5% to India’s national GDP and over 30% to the agricultural GDP, underscoring its vital role in food security, rural livelihoods, and public health. By enhancing clinical care and animal welfare, these guidelines will play an essential role in preserving animal lives and supporting rural economies.

While the guidelines are advisory and non-statutory, they are designed to adapt over time, incorporating new scientific insights and feedback from stakeholders. This dynamic approach ensures that high standards of animal welfare and public confidence are maintained, making a lasting impact on veterinary healthcare in India.