Virginia Expands Three Regional Animal Health Laboratories
Virginia is expanding three regional animal health laboratories with $13.1 million in funding and 8,800 square feet of new space.
From left to right: Hobey Bauhan, president, Virginia Poultry Federation; Tony Wilt, Virginia House of Delegates, 34th District; Katie Frazier, secretary of agriculture and forestry; Charles Green, commissioner, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has begun expansion projects at three regional animal health laboratories in Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Warrenton.
The three laboratories will continue operating while construction progresses.
The projects will add approximately 8,800 square feet of combined laboratory space and have a total capital outlay of $13.1 million. The General Assembly appropriated general fund support for the project in Chapter 2, 2022, Special Session I.
What Farmers Need to Know
The expansions will add dedicated space for molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and flexible testing areas that can accommodate changes in diagnostic technology.
VDACS operates regional animal health laboratories in Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Warrenton, and Wytheville. The laboratory system provides diagnostic and regulatory testing services throughout Virginia, including testing related to animal diseases.
The laboratories perform bacteriology, serology, virology, parasitology, pathology, and molecular testing. Services also include necropsies, bacteriological cultures, hematology, parasitology, and histopathological examination of tissues.
For agricultural producers, the laboratory system supports disease surveillance and testing. VDACS also maintains communication with farmers, local veterinarians, and state and federal agencies to support surveillance and control of infectious and contagious animal diseases.
“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,” said Secretary Frazier. “Expanding the capabilities and capacity of the animal health laboratory system is an important safeguard to protecting public health and Virginia’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry.”
Laboratory Network
The four VDACS regional laboratories provide testing services in several areas of animal health and food safety. The facilities also test raw milk products, meat and cheese, ice cream, and water.
The system received the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) highest designation for veterinary diagnostic laboratories in 2023. The Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory received a level one laboratory designation, while the Lynchburg, Warrenton, and Wytheville laboratories were designated level one branch laboratories.
“As the animal health landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that we keep pace with technology and testing improvements,” said Charles Green, commissioner of VDACS. “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.”
“In 2023, the VDACS Regional Animal Health Laboratory System achieved the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network’s (NAHLN) highest designation for veterinary diagnostic labs. The Harrisonburg RAHL obtained level one laboratory designation, and the labs in Lynchburg, Warrenton, and Wytheville are designated as level one branch laboratories,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, Virginia State veterinarian. “Achieving NAHLN level one status is a significant achievement, and this expansion project will further strengthen Virginia’s position in the national network, enhancing each facility’s testing capabilities to better serve the public and industry.”
The expansion projects are intended to increase laboratory space for molecular testing and provide flexible areas for future diagnostic needs. All four VDACS regional animal health laboratories will continue operations during the work.
