By Blake Jackson
Cornell University's New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NYSVDL) received a significant boost with a $19.5 million capital funding announcement on July 29th.
The investment will facilitate a substantial expansion of the current Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) facility, addressing the laboratory's growing workload and expanding its capacity for research, training, and diagnostic services.
The expansion will add 26,000 square feet to the existing building, creating space for new laboratories, offices, workstations, a training and conference lab, and material preparation and storage areas. It will also support workforce development initiatives to cultivate highly skilled diagnosticians.
During the ceremony, attendees including Cornell leadership, state officials, and industry representatives emphasized the critical role of the NYSVDL in safeguarding public health, animal health, and the state's economy. The laboratory's contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response, where it processed over 2 million human samples, underscore its significance.
"We have put our nation’s best minds in the service of our communities, our economies and our societies," said Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff, highlighting the laboratory's impact.
Senator Lea Webb recalled her own experience touring the NYSVDL as a high school student, emphasizing the importance of the laboratory's work. "The research that’s happening here is not only important – it is timely," she said.
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo expressed her satisfaction with the funding, stating, "I am very pleased that we were able to fund the long-awaited expansion of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center in this year’s state budget."
The NYSVDL has experienced a significant increase in its caseload, with over 306,000 accessions processed in the past year.
The expansion will enable the laboratory to continue providing essential diagnostic services to the state, nation, and beyond, while also contributing to advancements in animal and human health.
The funding will support the laboratory's mission to protect public health, ensure food safety, and contribute to the overall well-being of New York's agricultural industry. With this investment, the NYSVDL is poised to strengthen its position as a leading veterinary diagnostic laboratory and a valuable resource for the state.
Photo Credit: cornell-university
Categories: New York, Education