New Animal Diagnostic Center Boosts PA Farm Health

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania has strengthened its agricultural infrastructure with the opening of the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center at Penn State University’s Beaver Campus.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Dr. Troy Ott marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the lab’s role in improving animal health services across the state.

Backed by a $6 million investment from Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget, the facility enhances the state’s ability to respond quickly to animal disease outbreaks.

The lab will provide faster diagnoses for farmers in western Pennsylvania, reduce transportation costs, and help safeguard livestock and farm operations.

“This is a historic moment for Pennsylvania agriculture. Adding a fourth vet lab on a campus that is part of our top-notch Land Grant University continues that tradition of excellence, strengthens our crisis response capacity and supports current regional growth in animal agriculture,” Secretary Redding said.

“This expansion is more proof that investments by the Shapiro Administration are feeding Pennsylvania’s economic future and protecting our rich agricultural heritage.”

The new center becomes the fourth lab in the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), joining facilities in Harrisburg, University Park, and Kennett Square. PADLS laboratories are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and maintain top accreditation standards, ensuring reliable disease detection and food safety monitoring.

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, PADLS processed over 672,000 samples, including extensive testing for avian influenza, which has significantly impacted the state’s poultry industry. The addition of this lab is expected to accelerate response times during outbreaks and limit economic disruption.

Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes continued investment in agricultural preparedness, innovation grants, and support for key research institutions.

These efforts aim to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, which supports nearly 48,800 farms, 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.

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