​The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus (ARC-OVR), 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-OVR is a flagship Campus of the Agricultural Research Council and plays an important role in maintaining the health of our national herd and wildlife.

The mission of ARC-OVR is to provide scientific support for Veterinary Services in effective risk management for quality of life for all in South Africa. The ARC-OVR strives to deliver world-class veterinary research in providing scientific support. Research activities focus on the development and improvement of vaccines and diag​nostic tests, applying the latest molecular biological techniques.

ARC-OVR promotes animal health and welfare by providing an effective and efficient diagnostic service and producing vaccines against Foot and mouth and tick-borne diseases. ARCC-​OVR is the collaborating centre for both the Office Intern​ational des Epizooties (OIE) surveillance and control of animal diseases in Africa and the Food and Agr​iculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations for the emergency preparedness for transboundary animal diseases for Africa.