Animal Blood Transfusion SOP: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued blood transfusion and blood bank SOP for animals for the first time. Know the importance and benefits of these new guidelines.

Animal Blood Transfusion SOP: Like humans, animals also sometimes feel the need for blood transfusion during serious illnesses, accidents, or operations. But till now, there was no guideline or SOP related to blood transfusion for animals in India. To fill this gap, the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department has recently issued "Blood Transfusion and Blood Bank Guidelines and SOP for Animals".

Why are these new guidelines necessary?

India has more than 537 million livestock and about 125 million pets (dogs, cats, etc.). This sector is not only the basis of the livelihood of farmers and villagers but also contributes 5.5% of the national GDP and more than 30% of agricultural GDP . At a time when veterinary science is progressing rapidly, it is very important to provide services like blood transfusion in emergency situations .

What is special in the guidelines ?

• In the new guidelines and SOP , emphasis has been laid on implementing the entire process related to blood transfusion in a scientific, ethical and safe manner.
• Establishment of blood banks at the state level – which should have modern labs and follow biosafety rules.
• Blood typing and cross-matching is mandatory – to ensure there are no incompatibility or reactions after transfusion of blood to animals .
• Eligibility criteria for donor animals – Only healthy, appropriate age and weight, vaccinated and disease-free animals will be able to donate blood .
• Emphasis on voluntary donation – Blood donation will be done without any inducement, with the consent of the owner and as per the ' Donor Rights Charter' .
• Focus on One Health principles – to avoid any risk of zoonotic diseases (which can spread from animals to humans) during blood donation and transfusion .

Who made this SOP ?

The Veterinary Council of India, veterinary universities, ICAR institutes, state governments, practicing veterinarians and experts have collaborated to prepare these guidelines . Its aim is to bring India's veterinary services at par with global standards.

Impact on the future

• The implementation of these SOPs will bring a major change in animal health services in India .
• It will be easier to save the lives of animals in critical situations.
• Animal owners and pet owners will be able to get better emergency care.
• Productivity and safety of livestock will increase in rural areas .
• This step will make India a global leader in the veterinary sector.