Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt achieves landmark global recognition in equine science and animal health
Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has announced two historic achievements that underpin the nation’s resurgence as a global leader in horse breeding and equine sciences. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially declared Egypt free from “dourine”—a serious equine disease—renewing an international certification that significantly boosts Egypt’s prospects for exporting its famed horses. At the same time, Egypt’s Animal Health Research Institute has been recognized as the world’s leading center for diagnosing equine diseases for the eighth consecutive year.
“These accomplishments reinforce the international community’s trust in Egypt’s veterinary and scientific capabilities,” said Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk. “The confirmation of Egypt’s dourine-free status and our research institute’s repeated global distinction together represent a quantum leap forward, opening new opportunities for exporting our purebred horses and restoring Egypt’s leadership in this prestigious industry.”
Dourine is a contagious disease that affects horses and poses a major threat to the global equine sector. After thorough review and case assessment, WOAH’s renewed certification for Egypt is a testament to the country’s robust veterinary infrastructure and long-standing compliance with world animal health standards. Dr. Hamed Al-Aqnas, head of the General Authority for Veterinary Services, stressed that Egypt continues to implement rigorous prevention and monitoring programs to safeguard animal health and facilitate international trade and investment.
The Ministry also celebrated the Animal Health Research Institute’s extraordinary achievement: its Equine Genome and Disease Diagnostics Unit ranked first in the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) proficiency test for the eighth year in a row. This test is considered the gold standard in laboratory excellence for DNA analysis of horses, a vital process for pedigree authentication and disease prevention.
“This global recognition confirms Egypt’s unwavering commitment to research excellence and best practices,” said Dr. Samah Eid, Director of the Animal Health Research Institute. “Our ongoing collaborations with international research centers position Egypt as a leading force in animal health and genetics, opening broad horizons for scientific partnerships.”
Together, these milestones reflect the Ministry of Agriculture’s vision to combine scientific innovation and strong veterinary services, enhancing Egypt’s global standing in equine science and heritage.