Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Stations for Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases through Semen Rules, 2023.

These Rules are made by the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by section 42 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009 (Act). The Rules empower the central government to specify disease prevention protocol and disease testing protocol for bovine bulls available at all semen stations in the territory of India. It also allows nomination of experts to verify the implementation of such protocols and identify labs for testing. The Rules lay down the powers of the state governments through their respective department of animal husbandry to direct all the semen stations to undertake testing of the bulls through the labs notified; and register all semen stations operating under their jurisdiction only after obtaining recommendations from experts nominated and satisfying that bulls available at semen stations are free from all diseases as listed under the Act and following biosecurity standards mentioned in Annexure-2 of the Rules. All unregistered semen stations shall be treated as ‘infected areas’ under section 20 of the Act and action shall be taken against them as specified under the Act.