Specific Pathogen Free Unit

Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs are commercially available for R&D uses. SPF chickens for experimental use of AI samples has been a limitation. In view of the diagnostic requirements SPF unit was established at NIHSAD campus of IVRI at Bhopal in 2008. It was constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.43 crore with equipments imported from Holland. The facility could be established through special grant sanctioned by Hon’ble Dr. Mangla Rai, D.G. ICAR in Xth plan after the first outbreak of Bird flu (Avian influenza HPAI-H5N1) in 2006. The SPF unit has got two positive pressure super-isolators with a capacity to house 50 adult birds each, two incubator isolators for hatching, two transport isolators and two egg incubator. The SPF chickens grown from this unit at NIHSAD are used in carrying out influenza research work at this laboratory.