On August 25, 2025, India unveiled its first-ever national guidelines for animal blood transfusion and blood banks, addressing a critical gap in veterinary healthcare. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) led the initiative. The guidelines standardize donor selection, blood collection, and transfusion processes. This policy is applicable nationwide, impacting 537 million livestock and 125 million companion animals. Released on August 25, 2025. Developed with expert input, the framework ensures ethical, safe, and scientific practices, boosting animal health and rural livelihoods.
Bridging a Critical Gap
The “Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals in India,” released by DAHD under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, mark a historic step. Previously, India lacked a national framework for veterinary transfusion medicine, with most transfusions performed in emergencies without standardized protocols for donor screening or blood typing. The guidelines, developed after consultations with the Veterinary Council of India, veterinary universities, ICAR institutes, and practicing veterinarians, align with global standards, per reports.
Key Provisions and Innovations
The framework mandates state-regulated veterinary blood banks with biosafety-compliant infrastructure, requiring blood typing and cross-matching to prevent incompatible transfusions. Donor eligibility criteria include health, vaccination status, age (e.g., dogs: 1–8 years, minimum 25 kg), and disease screening, ensuring ethical, voluntary donations via a Donor Rights Charter. The guidelines integrate One Health principles to manage zoonotic risks and propose a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN) with digital registries and an emergency helpline. Innovations like mobile blood collection units and cryopreservation are encouraged.
Impact on Veterinary Care and Economy
India’s livestock and companion animal sector, with over 662 million animals, contributes 5.5% to national GDP and 30% to agricultural GDP, per reports. Blood transfusions, vital for trauma, anemia, and surgical care, were previously inconsistent, risking animal lives. The guidelines ensure safer interventions, reducing mortality and supporting rural livelihoods. Veterinary training programs will now include transfusion medicine, enhancing expertise. Dr. Kunal Sharma noted, “Veterinarians finally have legally sanctioned ways to provide blood,” addressing past unethical practices.
-By Manoj H
