Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and University of Pennsylvania Dean of Veterinary Medicine Andrew M. Hoffman marked a significant development for the state’s agriculture sector by breaking ground on a new $94 million Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at the New Bolton Center, the large-animal campus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet).
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Redding emphasized the laboratory's importance, stating, "Science continues to reveal critical connections between animal health, human health, and the health of our environment. Penn Vet has been at the center of discovery that deepens and reinforces those connections." The VDL, which is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will merge existing laboratories that cater to agricultural producers, public health officials, veterinarians, and horse racing officials statewide.
The 63,000-square-foot facility is necessitated by the current facilities' limitations. Last year, the New Bolton Center’s laboratory conducted more than 279,000 diagnostic tests while operating across multiple buildings, hindering collaborative efforts. The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory (PETRL), which processes around 30,000 samples annually from six Pennsylvania racetracks, currently operates from leased space. The new lab aims to enhance both analytical and research capabilities, allowing for growth in innovative practices.
"The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will put our diagnostic and toxicology teams side by side in modern facilities, where collaboration is part of the daily workflow," said Hoffman. The new lab is expected to boost research under the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), which expanded earlier this year by adding a fourth lab.
The PADLS consists of multiple state-funded laboratories designed to support animal health, disease detection, and public health. During the last fiscal year, these labs tested 669,788 animal specimens, crucial for monitoring diseases such as avian influenza and rabies.
The new lab will also complement the recently opened DAT-AI-LAB, a groundbreaking facility utilizing artificial intelligence to monitor animal behavior, which received funding through various agricultural innovation grants.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, contributing over $132 billion annually and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs. Governor Josh Shapiro's administration has prioritized enhancing agriculture and food security, evidenced by recent budget commitments, including full funding for the PADLS system and resources for innovative agricultural projects. These initiatives are designed to foster a robust agricultural landscape in Pennsylvania.