The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has broken ground on expansion projects at regional animal health laboratories in Harrisonburg, Lynchburg and Warrenton.
State and local officials marked the occasion at an event gathered at the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory on Wednesday.
“VDACS regional animal health laboratories perform a vital role in providing regulatory and diagnostic testing services for veterinary practitioners, food manufacturers, agricultural animal producers, pet owners, and other state government programs. Expanding the capabilities and capacity of the animal health laboratory system is an important safeguard to protecting public health and Virginia’s multibillion-dollar agricultural industry,” Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier said in remarks at the event.
The state operates four regional animal health laboratories – the fourth is in Wytheville – that offer a range of services in bacteriology, serology, virology, parasitology, pathology and molecular testing.
Consumers get the benefit of the testing of raw milk products, meat, cheese, ice cream and water.
“As the animal health landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that we keep pace with technology and testing improvements,” VDACS Commissioner Charles Green said. “The project adds roughly 8,800 square feet of combined laboratory space across facilities to support modern diagnostic services and disease monitoring. This $13.1 million capital outlay project will strengthen critical laboratory infrastructure and testing capabilities, enhance preparedness for emerging animal diseases, and support the health and well-being of the public, animals, and the state’s rural communities.”
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Chris Graham
