India Issues First Guidelines for Animal Blood Banks

On 25th August 2025, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) released India’s first-ever “Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals,” creating a structured framework for veterinary transfusion medicine for the first time.

Until now, animal blood transfusions in India were largely limited to emergency cases, with no standardised systems for donor screening, blood typing, storage, or transfusion protocols.
The new guidelines establish comprehensive processes for donor selection, blood collection, component preparation, storage, transfusion practices, post-transfusion monitoring, and safety mechanisms.
Developed in consultation with the Veterinary Council of India, ICAR institutes, veterinary universities, state governments, practitioners, and experts, the framework aligns with global best practices and incorporates One Health principles to mitigate zoonotic risks.
The roadmap envisions creating a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network supported by digital donor registries, real-time inventory systems, and an emergency helpline for veterinary practitioners.