MONACA, PA — Farmers in western Pennsylvania will see faster animal disease testing and lower diagnostic costs following the opening of a new state-supported veterinary laboratory at Penn State Beaver.
What This Means for You
- Faster test results can help farmers respond more quickly to disease outbreaks
- Reduced travel distances lower costs for farmers and veterinarians
- Expanded lab capacity strengthens food safety and protects the agricultural economy
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Dr. Troy Ott marked the opening of the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center on Thursday, a facility funded by a $6 million investment in the 2024-25 state budget.
The new lab expands Pennsylvania’s ability to detect and respond to animal diseases, particularly in western regions of the state, where access to diagnostic services has been more limited.
Expanding Disease Response Capacity
The facility becomes the fourth laboratory in the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, a statewide network that tests animals for diseases and helps protect both public health and the food supply.
The system monitors illnesses such as avian influenza, rabies, chronic wasting disease, and equine herpesvirus — diseases that can impact livestock, wildlife, and agricultural operations.
In the last fiscal year alone, the network tested more than 672,000 animal samples, including over 200,000 poultry samples and 29,000 cattle samples for avian influenza.
By adding a fourth lab, officials said diagnosis times will improve, transportation costs will drop, and farmers will be able to respond more quickly to disease threats.
“This is a historic moment for Pennsylvania agriculture,” Redding said. “Adding a fourth vet lab … strengthens our crisis response capacity and supports current regional growth in animal agriculture.”
How the Lab Helps Farmers
The Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center will provide testing services that allow farmers and veterinarians to identify diseases earlier and take action to limit spread.
Faster diagnoses can reduce economic losses by helping farmers protect livestock and maintain production levels.
“By expanding our diagnostic capabilities in western Pennsylvania, we are enhancing animal health and productivity and safeguarding the integrity of our food supply,” Ott said.
Broader Investment in Agriculture
The lab is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, which supports nearly 48,800 farms, about 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes additional funding to support agricultural preparedness, innovation grants, and disease response systems.
Next Steps
The lab is now operational, with initial testing services available and plans to expand capabilities over time.
Farmers and veterinarians can access services through the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center by visiting the program website, emailing KADCHelp@psu.edu, or calling 724-773-3502.
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