Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Andrew M. Hoffman, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, recently broke ground on a new $94 million Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the New Bolton Center. This facility aims to bolster Pennsylvania's $132 billion agriculture industry.
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Redding highlighted the importance of the project, noting that it will enhance the state’s ability to detect and prevent diseases while fostering growth in animal agriculture. The new 63,000-square-foot laboratory will consolidate existing facilities, including the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory, to better serve agricultural producers, veterinarians, and public health officials statewide.
The current laboratories have become overcrowded, with the New Bolton Center conducting over 279,000 diagnostic tests last year across multiple buildings lacking the space for innovation. The PETRL conducts approximately 30,000 tests annually from six Pennsylvania racetracks and currently operates out of rented space.
Hoffman stated that the new laboratory will foster collaboration between diagnostic and toxicology teams, providing them with modern facilities suited for their work. The facility is part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), which recently expanded to include a fourth lab, enhancing statewide capabilities for animal health and disease prevention.
PADLS, which includes four accredited labs, plays a vital role in maintaining animal health and safeguarding the food supply. All laboratories are members of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and have achieved the highest level of accreditation from the American Association of Veterinary Diagnosticians.