Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was established on 9^th December, 1889 as Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory at Pune (Maharashtra) and was later shifted to Mukteswar in 1893. Mukteswar was chosen because of its Eco-Geo-physical suitability for research on infectious diseases. Subsequently, for large-scale production of serum and vaccines, Izatnagar, Bareilly (UP) campus was established in 1913. The Institute was gradually expanded to the present size with its headquarters at Izatnagar (UP) and campuses at Mukteswar, Bengaluru, and regional stations at Palampur, Kolkata and Pune. Research conducted in the Institute in the areas of animal health and production with multidisciplinary approach has paid rich dividends. The research contributions have facilitated development of new biologicals used for diagnosis, prevention, cure and control of many devastating animal & poultry diseases and increased production of milk, meat, eggs and other animal products. Improvement of livestock and poultry with increased production potential and substitution of conventional feeds by cheaper agro-industrial byproducts are other significant contributions.

Post-graduate teaching and training programmes started in 1900 at the Institute when training was imparted to field veterinarians, civil and army personnel on various aspects of animal healthcare. Later, Associate ship of IVRI and National Diploma courses were added as part of post graduate teaching programme. However, with the establishment of Post-Graduate College of Animal Sciences in 1958, Postgraduate degree programmes also started. Presently the Institute has been providing quality education at masters and doctoral levels in 22 and 19 disciplines, respectively. The Institute has been conferred the status of Deemed to be University with effect from 16^th November, 1983 under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act (1956). The first academic session as Deemed University started on 15^th January, 1985. The Institute has been attracting a large number of foreign students, especially from developing countries. Students/Researchers have been deputed to this Institute from different countries for various short-term and long-term training programmes, diplomas and degree courses. Besides postgraduate degree courses, the institute has also been conducting various short-term National and International Training Programmes, Short Courses and Summer Institutes from time to time to make the professionals familiar with latest developments in Veterinary and Animal Sciences. The Institute has also been recognized as the Centre for Advanced Faculty Training in Animal Nutrition and Animal Physiology by ICAR, New Delhi. It has a well-established National Library of Veterinary Sciences, Bioinformatics Centre, ARIS Cell, Animal and Fodder Farms, Boys and Girls Hostels, Bank and Post Office facilities at its Izatnagar campus. The Institute which is spread over an area of 440.50 Acres, located at a distance of 258 km from New Delhi, and about 8 km from Bareilly Jn. and 1 km from Izatnagar Railway Station. The administrative control of the Institute is vested with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

v  To conduct research, to provide post-graduate education and to transfer the technology in all areas of Animal Sciences with emphasis on Animal Health and Production.

v  To act as national referral centre for veterinary type cultures, disease diagnosis, biological, immunodiagnostics, etc.