State diagnostic lab opens at Cornell
Cornell University officially launched the state-of-the-art New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Oct. 1.
University officials say the diagnostic laboratory is a key state asset for maintaining the health of animals, protecting the food supply, ensuring public health, and sustaining the economic vitality of several industries, including the dairy industry, that support the state's financial health.
"The New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will inspire 21st century discovery, strengthen our ability to successfully respond to emergencies, and protect the animals and citizens of New York state," said Dr. Michael Kotlikoff, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ground was broken in 2008 for the $70 million, 125,000-square-foot facility, built with a $50 million state allocation through the Department of Agriculture & Markets, along with $20 million from Cornell and other sources.
The New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is the only full-service, multidisciplinary animal disease diagnostic facility in the Northeast. Each year, the facility receives more than 300,000 samples and conducts more than a million tests.