Penn State and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Begin Expansion of Animal Diagnostic Laboratory

Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 5 for a nearly 46,000-square-foot, two-story expansion of the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) at University Park. This $65 million project aims to enhance the laboratory’s capacity to deliver critical diagnostic services, respond to emerging animal health threats, and support Pennsylvania’s livestock and poultry industries. Construction is anticipated to be completed by late 2028.

Key figures at the groundbreaking included Troy Ott, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences; Sandeep Prabhu, head of the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; and Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture. Redding emphasized the importance of supporting agricultural research and infrastructure, stating that these investments bolster the state’s ability to detect and prevent diseases, ensuring the safety of both the economy and public health.

The current laboratory was established in 1956 and underwent its last significant renovation in 1999. It plays a crucial role in animal health diagnostic testing, disease surveillance, and food safety. The upcoming addition will include modernized infrastructure and increase capacity, featuring new biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) space that will allow for testing diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza and African swine fever.

Ernest Hovingh, director of the University Park laboratory, highlighted that the improvements will provide a safer and more functional work environment, crucial for daily diagnostic operations. This expansion will also enhance biosecurity measures and improve accessibility for faculty and staff.

The ADL is part of a broader Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System that includes facilities at Penn State Beaver, Harrisburg, and the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Troy Ott called the expansion a significant investment in the infrastructure necessary to support the ADL’s diagnostic mission, while emphasizing collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for ongoing enhancements to animal health and agricultural security.