By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania officials and Penn State University leaders have begun construction on a major expansion of the university’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL), marking another significant investment in the state’s animal health and disease surveillance infrastructure.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Troy Ott, Dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, participated in the groundbreaking for the $65 million project. The two-story addition will add approximately 46,000 square feet to the facility at the university.
The project is the latest of three major veterinary laboratory developments in Pennsylvania this year. It follows the recent groundbreaking for a $94 million laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the May opening of the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center at Penn State’s Beaver Campus.
“Supporting cutting-edge research, diagnostic testing, and agricultural education at our land-grant universities like Penn State is critical to our nation’s economy, food security, and public safety. It is one of America’s most important and enduring public policies,” Sec. Redding said.
“The investments the Shapiro Administration is making — not just today, but year-round — strengthen our capacity to detect and prevent disease, respond quickly in crisis, and protect and grow the industry that feeds our economy and our families.”
Originally built in 1956 and substantially renovated in 1999, the ADL provides testing and diagnostic services supporting animal health, food safety, disease monitoring, and public health. The expansion will modernize the facility and increase its ability to respond to current and emerging animal disease threats.
Plans include new Biosafety Level 3 laboratory space designed for work involving serious infectious diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza and African swine fever.
The project also will connect the new addition with the existing building, improve biosecurity and security measures, address aging infrastructure, and provide better access and navigation throughout the facility.
“The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System is a critical resource for Pennsylvania agriculture and for protecting the health of animals, people and the environment,” said Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“This project represents a long-term investment in the infrastructure needed to support our ADL’s broad diagnostic mission and its role in advancing a One Health approach. We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for its significant investment in this project and its continued partnership in strengthening animal health and protecting Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy.”
The expansion will strengthen the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, which now includes four laboratories. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the system tested 669,788 animal specimens for diseases including avian influenza, rabies, chronic wasting disease, and equine herpesvirus.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nicolas
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock