About us

The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC-OVI), has long  tradition of veterinary research since its founding in 1908 by Sir Arnold Theiler It is nationally and internationally recognized as a veterinary centre of excellence. The ARC-OVI is a flagship institution  of the Agricultural Research Council and plays an important role in maintaining the health of our national herd  and wildlife.

Mission of the ARC-OVI

The mission of ARC-OVI is to provide scientific support for Veterinary Services in effective risk management for quality of life for all in South Africa.

Vision of the ARC-OVI

The ARC-OVI strives to be a world-class veterinary research institute in providing scientific support.

Research activities focus on the development and improvement of vaccines and diagnostic tests, applying the latest molecular biological techniques.

The Institute promotes animal health and welfare by providing an effective and efficient diagnostic service and producing vaccines against Foot and mouth and tick-borne diseases. The ARC-OVI is the collaborating centre for both the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) surveillance and control of animal diseases in Africa and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations for the emergency preparedness for transboundary animal diseases for Africa. The ARC-OVI  also hosts six OIE reference laboratories for economically important viral diseases namely: African horse sickness, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, Rift valley fever, rabies and African swine fever. We provide a wide range of applied research and consultancy, diagnosis and surveillance on livestock diseases to the National and Provincial Government and commercial customers.